FIFA’s Partnership with Saudi Arabia Raises Concerns Over Human Rights Amidst Criticism of Abuses

Amnesty International has expressed concerns about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia following FIFA’s recent announcement of a four-year global partnership deal with the country’s state-owned fossil fuel company, Saudi Aramco. The partnership will make Saudi Aramco a sponsor of the 2026 men’s World Cup and the Women’s World Cup in 2027.

The organization’s Head of Economic and Social Justice, Steve Cockburn, raised concerns about the imprisonment of women such as Salma al-Shehab and Manahel al-Otaibi for peacefully advocating for gender equality in Saudi Arabia. He also called for urgent action to address Saudi Arabia’s human rights record before finalizing any hosting agreements.

Amnesty International is urging FIFA to create binding agreements with Saudi Arabia to protect people from exploitation and discrimination. The organization stressed that income from Aramco should not be used to cover up or gloss over these abuses through sports washing. Instead, Amnesty International called on Saudi Arabia to support the phasing out of the fossil fuel industry and transition to renewable energy to prevent further climate harm.

Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in sports globally, including golf, football, motorsports, and martial arts. The government and the Public Investment Fund, its sovereign wealth fund, own over 98% of Saudi Aramco. This makes the company a major source of income, wealth, and influence for the Kingdom. While the 2026 men’s World Cup will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the location of the 2027 women’s tournament has not yet been determined.