A group of over 100 professional women’s soccer players have taken a stand against FIFA’s recent partnership with Saudi Aramco, a major oil and gas conglomerate. In an open letter sent to the world governing body of football, the players called on FIFA to end the partnership, citing concerns over human rights abuses and the environmental impact of fossil fuel companies.
Back in April, FIFA announced a four-year deal with Saudi Aramco, which will see the company becoming a worldwide partner for major tournaments such as the 2026 World Cup and the Women’s World Cup the following year. This partnership has sparked controversy and criticism from activists and women’s rights advocates, who argue that FIFA should not be associating itself with a company that has been involved in numerous human rights violations.
The players’ letter highlights the contradiction between FIFA’s stated commitment to promoting gender equality and the rights of women, and its decision to partner with a company from a country with a poor track record on women’s rights. Saudi Arabia has long been criticized for its treatment of women, including restrictions on their freedom of movement and participation in sports.
This move by the women’s soccer players adds to the growing pressure on FIFA to reconsider its partnership with Saudi Aramco. As the world governing body of football, FIFA has a responsibility to uphold ethical and moral standards, and many believe that partnering with a company like Saudi Aramco goes against those principles.
It remains to be seen how FIFA will respond to this call from the women’s soccer players. As the debate continues, it is clear that the issue of human rights and corporate partnerships will remain a key topic of discussion within the world of football.
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Video “Women footballers call on FIFA to end partnership with Saudi Aramco • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 10/22/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English