FIFA President Gianni Infantino pictured alongside Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal and Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak at the 2023 Club World Cup in Jeddah
(Photo Credit: Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Over 100 professional women’s football players, including several Matildas stars, have called on FIFA to sever its partnership with Saudi Arabian-owned oil conglomerate, Saudi Aramco. In an open letter, 106 players from 24 countries, including five Australians, urged FIFA to reconsider its alliance with the oil giant due to concerns over human rights violations and climate impact.
The letter, published on Monday, criticizes the sponsorship deal, describing it as a “middle finger to women’s football.” Prominent Australian signatories include Matildas players Aivi Luik and Alex Chidiac, along with Perth Glory’s Isobel Dalton, Canberra United’s Emma Ilijoski, and Nordsjaelland’s Winonah Heatley. The players argue that Saudi Arabia’s criminalization of same-sex relationships and its treatment of women contradicts the inclusive values of football.
Heatley, who has been with the Matildas since 2021, expressed frustration over Saudi Aramco’s role in exacerbating the climate crisis. “As players, we depend on stable climate conditions for our sport. This partnership with an oil company stands in direct opposition to that,” Heatley said. She further emphasized that allowing such partnerships would permit Saudi Arabia to distract from its poor human rights record, especially its treatment of women.
FIFA’s four-year partnership with Saudi Aramco, signed in April 2023, grants the oil company rights across multiple major tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Women’s World Cup. However, the players’ letter highlights the growing success of women’s football globally, pointing to record attendance at events such as the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia. Despite this, the Aramco deal is seen as a significant setback.
The letter raises three key questions for FIFA:
- How can FIFA justify partnering with a company tied to human rights violations?
- How can FIFA defend this sponsorship, given Aramco’s role in the climate crisis?
- Will FIFA consider the players’ proposal for a review committee with player representation?
Canadian national team captain Jessie Fleming added that the letter aims to draw attention to gender inequality and environmental damage linked to Aramco. “By taking Aramco’s sponsorship, FIFA is prioritizing money over the safety of women and the planet,” Fleming said.
Saudi Arabia is expected to host the 2034 World Cup, further intensifying concerns. FIFA has defended its partnership, stating that sponsorship revenues are reinvested into the development of football, particularly the women’s game.
