Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Sponsorship Deal with FIFA Raises Concerns of “Sportswashing

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.

This collaboration between FIFA and Aramco highlights 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.

The partnership with Aramco reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote itself as a progressive nation while also maintaining its dependence on oil revenues. The debate surrounding Saudi Arabia’s role in sports sponsorship continues to raise awareness about the country’s human rights record and its use of sports as a tool for propaganda.

Campaign group Fossil Free Football has raised concerns 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 one of the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitters, Aramco claims to have a low carbon footprint compared to others in the industry.

As FIFA continues to partner with Aramco, 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 highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability from global entities when it comes to their environmental responsibilities.