Zurich — Former U.S. national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn and Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedema were among more than 100 people who signed an open letter protesting FIFA’s sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant Aramco. One of the female soccer players.
The letter called the deal, which includes sponsorship of the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, “far worse than its own goals,” citing Saudi Arabia’s record on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights and the climate impact of Aramco’s oil and gas production. . change.
Sauerbrunn expressed concern about women imprisoned in Saudi Arabia.
“Women’s safety, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights and the health of the planet should be a much bigger priority than making more money for FIFA,” Sauerbrunn said through campaign group Athletes Of The World.
The letter urges FIFA to replace Aramco with “an alternative sponsor whose values are consistent with gender equality, human rights and a secure future for our planet” and to give players a voice on the ethical implications of future sponsorship deals.
“This letter shows that this is something we as players do not want to stand for and accept within women’s football. It’s simple. This sponsorship goes against FIFA’s commitment to human rights and the planet,” Miedema said.
The deal between FIFA and Aramco was announced in April as part of a closer relationship between Saudi Arabia and world soccer’s governing body. FIFA is expected to confirm Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 Men’s World Cup in December. He is the only candidate for the tournament.
“FIFA values our partnership with Aramco and many of our other commercial and rights partners. “FIFA is an inclusive organization with many commercial partners who support other organizations in football and other sports,” World Football Association said in an emailed statement on Monday, adding that commercial profits are reinvested in the development of women’s football.
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