Over 100 women's soccer players protest FIFA deal with Saudi oil giant Aramco

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🗞️ Driving the news: Over 100 women's soccer players, including Becky Sauerbrunn and Vivianne Miedema, have signed a letter protesting FIFA's sponsorship deal with Saudi oil giant Aramco
• The deal involves sponsorship for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, with players criticizing Saudi Arabia's human rights record and Aramco's environmental impact

🔭 The context: FIFA's deal with Aramco was announced in April, marking stronger ties with Saudi Arabia, which is also the only candidate to host the 2034 Men's World Cup
• The letter demands that FIFA seek sponsors aligned with values like gender equality, human rights, and environmental protection

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Players argue that partnering with Aramco contradicts FIFA's stated commitments to human rights and climate sustainability, given the oil company's significant contribution to fossil fuel emissions

⏭️ What's next: FIFA is expected to proceed with confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup in December, despite ongoing criticism from players and activists

💬 One quote: "The safety of those women, the rights of women, LGBTQ+ rights, and the health of the planet need to take a much bigger priority over FIFA making more money," said Becky Sauerbrunn

📈 One stat: Aramco is responsible for over 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions since 1965, making it one of the world’s largest contributors to climate change

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