Women's Soccer Players Protest FIFA Deal
Women's Soccer Players Protest FIFA Deal
The Facts
More than 100 women's soccer players from 24 countries, including Netherlands forward Vivianne Miedema and former US national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn, have signed an open letter urging FIFA to end its sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco.More than 100 women's soccer players from 24 countries, including Manchester City star Vivianne Miedema and former US national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn, have signed an open letter urging FIFA to end its sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco.
The letter, published by Athletes of the World, criticizes FIFA's four-year global partnership with Aramco, which includes sponsorship rights for the 2026 men's World Cup and the 2027 Women's World Cup.
The Spin
The Aramco sponsorship deal contradicts FIFA's commitments to human rights and the planet. It's unacceptable for women's soccer to be associated with a regime that restricts women's rights and criminalizes LGBTQ+ relationships. Even the act of advocating for women's rights and freedoms can lead to prison. FIFA must reject this form of "sportswashing" and prioritize ethical partnerships that align with the values of genderits equality and environmental sustainabilityathletes.
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