Fifa announces partnership with Saudi Aramco, raising human rights and climate concerns

In a controversial move, Fifa has announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, Aramco, sparking debate and criticism from various groups.

The deal, set to run until 2027, grants Aramco sponsorship rights for the upcoming men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup the following year. This partnership adds to Aramco’s existing sponsorship deals within Formula 1 and the International Cricket Council.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino praised Aramco’s support for world-class events and grassroots sport initiatives. However, critics argue that Saudi Arabia is using high-profile sporting events to improve its international reputation in a process known as ‘sportswashing’.

The Gulf kingdom has faced scrutiny for human rights violations, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, women’s rights abuses, criminalization of homosexuality, restriction of free speech, and involvement in the war in Yemen. Despite these concerns, Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup, with Fifa set to announce the hosts later this year.

Amnesty International has raised human rights concerns over the Aramco deal and called on Fifa to ensure protections against exploitation, discrimination, and repression before awarding Saudi Arabia the tournament.

The sponsorship agreement with Aramco has also raised questions about Fifa’s environmental impact, particularly in light of the oil company’s status as the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitter. Campaign groups have criticized Fifa for aligning with big polluters and urged the organization to sever ties with companies that contribute to climate change.

As the debate continues, Fifa faces pressure to address the ethical implications of its partnerships and uphold its commitment to promoting sustainability and social responsibility in sports.