Former US national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn and Netherlands forward Vivianne Miedema are leading a protest with over 100 women’s soccer players against FIFA’s sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabian state oil giant Aramco. The players have signed an open letter expressing their concerns about the partnership, particularly in light of Saudi Arabia’s track record on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as the environmental impact of Aramco’s oil and gas production.
The sponsorship agreement includes support for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, which the players describe as “much worse than an own goal” in their letter. They are urging FIFA to reconsider and seek alternative sponsors that uphold values of gender equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability. The players are also calling for a more transparent and inclusive process that involves them in decisions regarding future sponsorship deals.
Becky Sauerbrunn highlighted the importance of prioritising the safety and rights of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the health of the planet over financial gains for FIFA. She stressed the need for ethical considerations to guide FIFA’s partnerships moving forward, as outlined by the campaign group Athletes Of The World. Similarly, Vivianne Miedema emphasised that the current sponsorship contradicts FIFA’s stated commitments to human rights and environmental conservation.
FIFA’s collaboration with Aramco was announced earlier this year amidst growing ties between Saudi Arabia and the global soccer governing body. The upcoming confirmation of Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 men’s World Cup has raised further concerns about FIFA’s priorities and allegiances. FIFA defended its partnership with Aramco, highlighting its commitment to inclusivity and reinvestment of commercial revenue into women’s soccer development.
The protest by these women’s soccer players underscores a growing trend of athletes using their platforms to advocate for social and environmental justice within the sports industry. Their collective voice aims to hold governing bodies like FIFA accountable for the partnerships they choose and the values they uphold. As discussions continue around the intersection of sports, politics, and corporate sponsorships, the actions of Sauerbrunn, Miedema, and their fellow players stand as a powerful example of athletes using their influence for positive change in the world of soccer.