Saudi Aramco, a state-owned fossil fuel company, has recently signed a four-year global partnership deal with FIFA. This agreement will make Saudi Aramco a sponsor of the 2026 men’s World Cup as well as the Women’s World Cup in 2027. Amnesty International’s Head of Economic and Social Justice, Steve Cockburn, expressed concerns about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia.
Cockburn highlighted the imprisonment of women such as Salma al-Shehab and Manahel al-Otaibi in Saudi Arabia for peacefully advocating for gender equality. He also raised the issue of the country’s bid to host the 2034 men’s World Cup, calling for urgent action to address Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Amnesty International is urging FIFA to create binding agreements with Saudi Arabia to protect people from exploitation and discrimination before finalizing any hosting agreements.
Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest fossil fuel producers, has faced criticism for its role in financing the country’s human rights abuses through sports washing. The organization called on Saudi Arabia to support phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources to prevent further climate harm. The government and Public Investment Fund own over 98% of Saudi Aramco, making it a major source of income and influence for the Kingdom. While the location of the 2027 women’s tournament has not yet been determined, there have been concerns about how this decision will impact human rights abuses within Saudi Arabia.