Fifa has recently announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, Aramco, solidifying their sponsorship rights for upcoming World Cup tournaments. This deal extends until 2027 and includes sponsorship for the men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup the following year. Aramco already has partnerships within motorsport and cricket, showcasing their strong track record in supporting world-class events and grassroots sport initiatives.
The collaboration with Aramco reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the global sporting stage, with critics accusing the country of using high-profile events to improve its international reputation through ‘sportswashing’. Despite concerns about the environmental impact of such partnerships, Fifa will determine the hosts of the upcoming tournaments later this year.
Campaign group Fossil Free Football has raised alarm over the partnership, criticizing Aramco and the Saudi state for promoting fossil fuels on a global platform. They argue that Fifa should sever ties with big polluters for the sake of fans and players. Despite being the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitter, Aramco claims to have a low carbon footprint compared to others in the industry.
As the partnership between Fifa and Aramco unfolds, questions regarding the environmental implications of such collaborations remain a topic of concern for sustainability advocates. The debate surrounding the role of big polluters in sports sponsorship continues to raise awareness about the environmental responsibilities of global entities.