The past few years, female teams have shown that they are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. There have been boycotts by several teams, says the Dutch star Vivianne Miedema to BBC.
If this (sponsorship) continues, it will get a lot of attention and something will definitely happen around the World Championship.
Miedema says that football players, especially women, have a responsibility to show the world and the next generation what is right.
Criticism of sportswashing and oil
The players are critical of the fact that it is a Saudi company that sponsors and that it is an oil company that has a significant impact on the environment. Saudi Arabia is accused of sportswashing – trying to wash away its bad reputation regarding human rights through large economic investments in sports. The oil company Aramco is said to be the company in the world that emits the most greenhouse gases, which the company denies.
Dane June Pedersen, who during her career played in several Swedish clubs, is one of those who have written the letter.
We want Fifa to replace Aramco with sponsors whose values align more with equality, human rights, and a safer world for all, she says.
They also want the international football association Fifa to set up a committee, with player representatives, that is involved in deciding which sponsors Fifa will have in the future.
Fifa satisfied with sponsors
Fifa says, according to BBC, that they are satisfied with all their sponsorships, that all surplus is reinvested in football, and that women's football has received increasing economic support.
No Swedish national team players are among those who have signed the letter.
The 2027 World Championship will be played in Brazil.
