FIFA’s New Sponsorship Deal with Saudi Arabia’s Aramco Raises Controversy Over Human Rights and Women’s Empowerment

FIFA has recently announced a sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabia’s state oil company, Aramco. This partnership was anticipated once Saudi Arabia was named the host of the 2034 men’s World Cup in October. The agreement will last until 2027 and will cover major soccer events such as the 2026 men’s World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The hosts for the 2027 tournament will be chosen next month.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has developed a close relationship with Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, dating back to before the 2018 World Cup in Russia which was sponsored by state-owned energy company Gazprom. During the bidding process for the 2034 men’s World Cup, only FIFA member federations from Asia and Oceania were allowed to compete, almost ensuring Saudi Arabia’s victory. Saudi Arabia was confirmed as the only candidate by the end of the bidding process that same month.

Furthermore, this partnership with Aramco is just one example of FIFA’s growing presence within the global soccer community. In addition to this new sponsorship deal, FIFA has faced criticism for its ties to Saudi Arabia due to its human rights record and treatment of women. However, it seems that these criticisms have not deterred FIFA from continuing to do business with Saudi Arabia.