Saudi Arabia’s Aramco Partners with FIFA to Sponsor World Cup Tournaments, Raising Environmental Concerns

Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, Aramco, has recently partnered with FIFA to sponsor the men’s and women’s World Cup tournaments from 2026 to 2027. This deal will grant Aramco sponsorship rights for these high-profile events. The partnership solidifies Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global sports landscape, but critics have accused the nation of using such events to enhance its international reputation through 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 one of the world’s largest oil producers. Fossil Free Football campaign group raised concerns about this partnership stating that it only serves to perpetuate the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and attempts to improve Aramco’s image.

Independent research from Carbon Tracker suggests that Aramco is among the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitters, despite their claims of having one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry. This highlights the broader discussion about the intersection of sports, sponsorship, and sustainability. FIFA needs to take a cleaner and more sustainable approach towards sports sponsorship while considering criticism raised by various groups against this partnership.

The debate around this partnership underscores how important it is for organizations like FIFA to consider not only their financial gains but also their social responsibility towards society and environment while making strategic decisions. It is crucial for them to strike a balance between promoting high-profile events and protecting our planet for future generations.