More than one hundred professional female players from 24 countries have addressed an open letter to FIFA, urging the football governing body to sever its ties with Saudi oil giant Aramco.
Among the 106 players who signed the letter is Ella Van Kerckhoven, a 24-time capped Belgian international, the nickname of the national women's team in Belgium. The players describe the partnership as "a slap in the face to women’s football."
Earlier this year, FIFA announced a partnership with Aramco lasting until 2027. The deal grants Aramco sponsorship rights for the 2026 Men’s World Cup and the Women’s World Cup the following year.
The players argue that FIFA should reconsider the partnership due to Aramco’s significant environmental impact and the Saudi government’s widespread human rights violations, especially against women and the LGBTQ+ community.
“Besides being a financial source for the Saudi regime, Aramco is one of the biggest polluters on this planet we call home,” said Jessie Fleming, captain of the Canadian national team. “By accepting Aramco’s sponsorship, FIFA is choosing money over the safety of women and the planet, something we players collectively oppose.”
Dutch international Vivianne Miedema added, “This letter clearly shows what we, as players, stand against and refuse to accept in women’s football. It’s simple: this sponsorship contradicts FIFA’s own commitments regarding human rights and the environment.”
