Saudi Aramco, a state-owned fossil fuel company, has recently secured a four-year global partnership deal with FIFA. This agreement will see Saudi Aramco sponsor the 2026 men’s World Cup as well as the Women’s World Cup in 2027. However, this news has sparked concerns from Amnesty International about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia.
Amnesty International’s Head of Economic and Social Justice, Steve Cockburn, highlighted the imprisonment of women such as Salma al-Shehab and Manahel al-Otaibi for peacefully advocating for gender equality in Saudi Arabia. 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.
In response to these concerns, Amnesty International is urging FIFA to create binding agreements with Saudi Arabia to protect people from exploitation and discrimination before finalizing any hosting agreements. The organization stresses that income from companies like Aramco should not be used to cover up or gloss over human rights abuses through sports washing.
Saudi Aramco is one of the world’s largest fossil fuel producers and has faced criticism for its role in financing the country’s human rights abuses. 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.
The government and Public Investment Fund, its sovereign wealth fund, own over 98% of Saudi Aramco, making it 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.