FIFA and Aramco Join Forces for World Cup Sponsorship: Amidst Controversy and Debate over Environmental Impact

In a recent announcement, FIFA has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, Aramco. This deal, which lasts until 2027, grants Aramco sponsorship rights for the men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup in 2027. With this partnership, Aramco joins Formula 1 and the International Cricket Council as FIFA’s latest sponsors.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino commended Aramco’s support for world-class events and their focus on grassroots sports initiatives. However, critics have accused Saudi Arabia of using high-profile events to enhance its international reputation, a practice known as ‘sportwashing’.

As FIFA announces the hosts of the upcoming tournaments soon, speculation rises about the environmental impact of partnering with Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer. In the past, 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 raised concerns about this partnership, stating that it only serves to perpetuate our dependence on fossil fuels and attempts to improve Aramco’s image. They urge FIFA to sever ties with major polluters and emphasize the need for a cleaner, more sustainable approach to sports sponsorship.

Despite Aramco’s assertions 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. The debate around the environmental consequences of this partnership underscores the broader discussion about sports, sponsorship and sustainability.

This partnership solidifies Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in