More than 100 women soccer players, including former USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn, signed an open letter Monday blasting FIFA for its partnership with Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco.
The deal, which includes sponsorship of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, is likened to “an own goal” in the letter, according to the AP.
Players cited Saudi Arabia’s poor record on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, also noting the impact of Aramco’s oil and gas production on climate change.
“The rights of women, LGBTQ+ rights and the health of the planet need to take a much bigger priority over FIFA making more money,” Sauerbrunn said in comments via campaign group Athletes Of The World.
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FIFA has had plenty of controversies in the past cozying up with Middle East countries with poor human rights track records, including the recent 2022 World Cup in Qatar where hundreds of migrant workers died constructing the stadiums for the tournament.
The world soccer governing body has been called out by several human rights organizations for “sports washing” in the name of profits and power.
The 2034 World Cup is set to be held in Saudi Arabia, suggesting a concerning pattern when one follows the bulk of foreign money FIFA has received recently.
Players have spoken out for what they believe in, but it seems to have fallen on deaf ears as FIFA released a statement (h/t BBC Sport) in response to their letter.
“We’re an inclusive organization with many commercial partners also supporting other organizations in football and other sports,” it read in part. “Sponsorship revenues generated are reinvested back into the game at all levels and investment in women’s football continues to increase.”
Manchester City star Vivianne Miedema called on FIFA to align with sponsorships that match their messages of inclusivity.
“FIFA always shout that they want the game to be inclusive, and they want the game to lead by example,” Miedema told BBC Sport. “Well, if so, then make sure that you align with sponsorships that are leading by example.”
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