Soccer Stars Protest FIFA's Aramco Sponsorship

Over a hundred women's soccer players, including Becky Sauerbrunn and Vivianne Miedema, have protested FIFA's sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabia's Aramco. They cite concerns over women's and LGBTQ+ rights in Saudi Arabia, and Aramco's environmental impact. The letter demands FIFA seek ethical sponsors that prioritize human rights and gender equality.

Former U.S. national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn and Netherlands forward Vivianne Miedema lead a coalition of over 100 women's soccer players penning an open letter to FIFA. The letter protests the governing body's sponsorship agreement with Saudi Arabian state oil titan, Aramco.

Signatories of the letter express dissatisfaction with the deal, set to sponsor the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. They criticize Saudi Arabia's treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals, along with the environmental ramifications of Aramco's fossil fuel activities.

The document implores FIFA to replace Aramco with sponsors whose principles align with gender equality and human rights. Players demand inclusion in the decision-making process regarding the ethical aspects of future sponsorship deals, underscoring a collective stance against FIFA's conflicting commitments.

(With inputs from agencies.)