The players' unified stance reflects a growing trend among athletes to leverage their platforms for social justice and human rights advocacy.
The letter's release comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is increasing its investments in sports to improve its international image, a strategy often referred to as sportswashing.
The demand for a Review Committee suggests a potential shift in how sponsorship deals are approached within sports organizations, emphasizing ethical considerations over financial gain.
The ongoing pressure from these players could lead FIFA to reconsider its sponsorship agreements with companies linked to human rights abuses, potentially influencing future partnerships.
This movement may inspire further activism among athletes in various sports, leading to a broader dialogue on the intersection of sports, ethics, and human rights.
If FIFA does not respond to the players' demands, it could face increased scrutiny and backlash from both players and fans, impacting its reputation and support.
On October 21, 2024, a collective of 106 professional footballers from 24 countries sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, demanding the termination of a sponsorship agreement with Aramco, the Saudi state-owned oil company. The players argue that Aramco represents a regime that systematically violates women's rights and criminalizes the LGBTQ+ community, stating that such a partnership undermines the integrity of football, particularly women's football.
The letter highlights the players' concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses, including the repression of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. It cites specific cases, such as that of Salma Al Shehab, who received a 27-year prison sentence for her social media activity advocating for women's rights. The footballers assert that Aramco's sponsorship is a form of 'sportswashing', aimed at diverting attention from the regime's brutal human rights record.
Among the signatories are prominent players such as Becky Sauerbrunn, Jessie Fleming, and Elena Linari, representing various leagues including those in the US, England, Italy, and Australia. The players demand that FIFA establish a Review Committee to evaluate the ethical implications of sponsorship deals, ensuring they align with values of gender equality and human rights.
The sponsorship agreement with Aramco, signed in April 2024, allows the company to be the exclusive global energy partner of FIFA, covering major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Women's World Cup. The players argue that this deal is detrimental to women's football and could undermine years of progress in promoting gender equality in the sport.
