Becky Sauerbrunn and over 100 women’s soccer players protest FIFA deal with Saudi oil giant Aramco
- More than 100 women’s soccer players have signed an open letter against FIFA's sponsorship deal with Aramco.
- The letter criticizes Saudi Arabia's record on human rights, particularly for women and LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as environmental concerns.
- Players are calling for FIFA to choose sponsors whose values align with gender equality and human rights, indicating a need for ethical practices in sports sponsorship.
In an open letter, over 100 women’s soccer players, including former U.S. national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn and Netherlands forward Vivianne Miedema, voiced their opposition to FIFA's sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabia’s state oil company, Aramco. The letter highlights concerns regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record, particularly its treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals, and the environmental impact of Aramco’s operations. The players condemned the deal announced in April, which also extends to the upcoming 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, arguing it contradicts FIFA’s own commitments to human rights and sustainable practices. They called for FIFA to seek alternative sponsors that align with values of gender equality and human rights. Miedema emphasized the need for player input on the ethical implications of sponsorship deals, while Sauerbrunn pointed out the risks posed to women in Saudi Arabia. FIFA responded by emphasizing its commitment to its partnerships, asserting that commercial revenues support the development of women’s soccer. The controversy reflects the growing scrutiny of sports organizations' affiliations with entities that have questionable human rights records, showcasing a broader trend towards ethical considerations in sports sponsorship.