Terminate sponsorship deal with Saudi , over 100 female footballers tell FIFA

More than 100 professional women’s footballers have signed a letter calling on FIFA to end its partnership with Saudi Arabia owned oil company Aramco.

Saudi Aramco, the country’s national oil company, was announced as a major worldwide partner with FIFA in April.

The company will hold sponsorship rights for the 2026 men’s World Cup and the 2027 women’s World Cup.

Now, report reaching Diaspora Digital Media has it that 106 women’s footballers from 24 countries have signed an open letter addressed to FIFA president Gianni Infantino criticising the partnership with the company.

The letter has been signed by the likes of USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn, Canada skipper Jessie Fleming and Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedeme.

It draws attention to Saudi’s negative record on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.

Concerns were also raised about Saudi’s apparent disregard for trying to reduce their carbon footprint.

The letter reads: “FIFA’s announcement of Saudi Aramco as its ‘major’ partner has set us so far back that it’s hard to fully take in.

“The Saudi authorities trample not only on the rights of women, but on the freedom of all other citizens too.

“Imagine LGBTQ+ players, many of whom are heroes of our sport, being expected to promote Saudi Aramco during the 2027 World Cup, the national oil company of a regime that criminalises the relationships that they are in and the values they stand for?”

It concludes: “We urge FIFA to reconsider this partnership and replace Saudi Aramco with alternative sponsors whose values align with gender equality, human rights and the safe future of our planet.”

Portland Thorns defender Sauerbrunn said: “The fact that FIFA is aligning itself with a company and regime that treats women in this way is condemnable, and as female players at the top of our sport we’re using our voices to say this is not a partnership we can support.

“The safety of those women, the rights of women, LGBTQ+ rights and the health of the planet need to take a much bigger priority over FIFA making more money.”

FIFA’S RESPONSE
In response, FIFA stated the revenue generated from deals such as the Aramco one is reinvested into the women’s game.

A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA values its partnership with Aramco and its many others commercial and rights partners.

“Sponsorship revenues generated by FIFA are reinvested back into the game at all levels and investment in women’s football continues to increase, including for the historic FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and its groundbreaking new distribution model.

“FIFA’s updated Women’s Football Strategy for 2023-2027 further highlights how commercial revenues are reinvested back into the development of the women’s game.”

WHAT NEXT?
Last year, FIFA had planned to unveil Visit Saudi, the country’s tourism board, as a sponsor for the 2023 women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

However, the proposal was dropped after a hefty backlash. Whether this partnership meets the same fate remains to be seen.

Perceived subjugation of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has a complex history with women’s rights, and while there have been some reforms, significant challenges remain.

The country’s Personal Status Law, implemented in March 2022, has been criticized for codifying male guardianship and gender discrimination.

This law requires women to have a male guardian’s consent for marriage and restricts their freedom of movement.

Women face restrictions on traveling abroad with their children, requiring consent from the father or male guardian.

Despite these limitations, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to boost female workforce participation to 30%, and reforms have allowed women to start businesses without male consent, access government services, jobs, education, and healthcare independently, and drive cars.

However, human rights organizations continue to call for the abolition of the male guardianship system and greater equality.

Saudi Arabia has made some progress, appointing its first female ambassador and opening jobs for women in the public sector.

The government is promoting sports and fitness among women, with international brands setting up female-only gyms.

The relaxation of women’s dress code and increasing freedom have created opportunities in fashion and accessories, with international brands launching modest clothing lines, and Saudi women embracing colorful abayas.

While these developments are positive, it’s essential to acknowledge the ongoing struggles women face in Saudi Arabia and advocate for further reforms to achieve true gender equality.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook