Women's soccer players slam FIFA's partnership with Saudi Aramco over human rights, environmental concerns

More than a hundred international women's soccer players are calling on FIFA to reconsider its sponsorship by Saudi Arabian oil company Saudi Aramco, which is majority state-owned, in an open letter to FIFA's president.

Calling it a "middle finger to women's soccer," the 106 players who signed the letter say Saudi Arabia's human rights violations, particularly against women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, go against the sport's values of equality and inclusion.

The athletes' letter, sent to CBC News in advance of its official release, emphasizes that gay players, "many of whom are heroes of our sport," are particularly at risk of persecution in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is considered a crime.

The players also raise concerns about the oil company's environmental impact.

Saudi Aramco is the largest oil producer in the world. It is 98.5 per cent owned by Saudi Arabia.

FIFA's deal with Saudi Aramco, announced in April, lasts until 2027. It includes sponsorship of both the men and women's World Cups in 2026 and 2027.

FIFA's other major partners include companies such as Adidas, Coca-Cola and Visa.

In response to the letter, FIFA said it stands by the sponsorship.

"FIFA values its partnership with Aramco and its many other commercial and rights partners," the organization sent in a statement. 

Saudi Aramco has not yet responded to requests for comment from CBC News.

Among the signatories are current Team Canada captain Jessie Fleming and former Team Canada goaltender Erin McLeod.

"[Saudi Arabia] has the 2034 World Cup bid and thinking of someone like myself, even travelling to go watch those games would not be an option," McLeod told CBC News. 

McLeod, who is openly gay, is married to Icelandic soccer player