More than 100 international women’s soccer players have signed an open letter to FIFA, urging the organization to reconsider its sponsorship deal with Saudi Aramco, a state-owned oil giant. The players criticize the sponsorship as a “middle finger to women’s soccer,” pointing out Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations, especially against women and the 2SLGBTQ+ community, which directly contradict the sport’s core values of equality and inclusion.
The athletes, including Canadian stars Jessie Fleming and Erin McLeod, emphasize the risks faced by gay players in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is criminalized. They also highlight the environmental impact of Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer. Despite these concerns, FIFA’s decision to partner with the company has sparked outrage within the women’s soccer community.
In response, FIFA defended its partnership with Aramco, stating that sponsorship revenues are reinvested into the game and women’s football development. However, the players demand FIFA justify this sponsorship and address how it aligns with their public stance on human rights.
Source: Swifteradio.com