FIFA has recently formed a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, Aramco. This deal, set to last until 2027, grants Aramco sponsorship rights for the men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup in 2027. The partnership solidifies Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global sports landscape, though critics have accused the nation of using such high-profile events to enhance its international reputation, a practice known as ‘sportwashing’.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised Aramco’s support for world-class events and their focus on grassroots sports initiatives. However, this partnership raises concerns about the environmental impact of partnering with a major polluter like Aramco, who is known for being one of the world’s largest oil producers. In recent years, FIFA has faced criticism for making misleading claims about the environmental impact of sporting events, such as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Campaign groups like Fossil Free Football have raised concerns about this partnership and urged FIFA to sever ties with major polluters. They emphasize that a cleaner and more sustainable approach is necessary in sports sponsorship. While Aramco asserts that they have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry, independent research from Carbon Tracker suggests they are among the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitters. This debate highlights the broader discussion around the intersection of sports, sponsorship and sustainability.