Former Super Falcon Criticizes FIFA’s Aramco Partnership, Citing “Money Over Humanity”

The sponsorship agreement between Fifa and Saudi oil company Aramco, which grants rights for the 2026 men’s World Cup and the subsequent year’s Women’s World Cup, has drawn criticism. Over 100 female professional footballers globally last month condemned this partnership, citing environmental and humanitarian concerns. Following the United Nations’ COP29 climate summit, the sole African signatory of the open letter has now elaborated on her participation in the protest. Ayisat Yusuf, a former Nigeria international, has labeled Fifa’s choice to collaborate with Aramco as “not justifiable.” This stance comes even as football’s governing body asserts that sponsorship funds are reinvested into the women’s game “at all levels.” Yusuf stated to BBC Sport Africa, “Fifa don’t have to take money above humanity.” She further emphasized, “It’s very important we let people know that partnership – giving sponsorship to Aramco – does not stand for what our values [as female footballers] are.” Yusuf added, “Our values should be put first regardless of the money. We’re just making our voice heard, for them to also reconsider and think about humanity, our health and our human rights.” Aramco, which is owned by the Saudi Arabian state, holds the distinction of being the world’s largest oil producer. Its three-year agreement with Fifa grants it sponsorship rights for the men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup scheduled for the subsequent year. Beyond criticizing Aramco’s adverse climate impact through greenhouse gas emissions, the letter from the players also brought attention to accusations of human rights violations by the Gulf kingdom. They characterized the partnership as a “punch in the stomach” and a considerable detriment to women’s football. The footballers additionally advocated for the creation of a review committee, including player representation, to assess the ethical ramifications of Fifa’s forthcoming sponsorship agreements. A spokesperson for Fifa informed BBC Sport Africa that the organization “values its partnership with Aramco” and described itself as “an inclusive organisation with many commercial partners also supporting other organisations in football and other sports.” Referring to last year’s Women’s World Cup, Fifa also stated: “As well as the increased support for teams at the tournament last year, Fifa’s updated Women’s Football Strategy for 2023-2027 further highlights how commercial revenues are reinvested back into the development of the women’s game.” Aramco asserts that “environmental stewardship is deeply integral” to its corporate philosophy, and it intends to persist in its efforts to “innovate and explore management solutions” aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of its operations and products. Ayisat Yusuf was part of the Nigeria squad at the 2007 Fifa Women’s World Cup and accumulated a total of 68 caps playing for the Super Falcons. The collaboration between Aramco and Fifa represents the most recent instance of Saudi Arabia’s investment in sports and its hosting of prominent events, a tactic employed to bolster its international reputation. This strategy has been termed ‘sportswashing’ by critics, including Human Rights Watch. Saudi Arabia stands as the sole bidder for the 2034 Fifa World Cup and is anticipated to be officially named the host nation next month. The Aramco agreement, which was unveiled in April, has also drawn criticism from environmental organizations and has prompted additional inquiries regarding Fifa’s environmental footprint. A key topic at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, has been the discussion of how to assist less affluent nations in reducing planet-warming gas emissions and managing the effects of climate change. Yusuf stated, “Climate change is a global issue and affects most people that do sport. It is very important.” She continued, “We are all fighting for a common goal and for the betterment of everyone, for us to live in a safe environment.” Yusuf warned, “If we don’t [deal with] this now it’s going to be too late, and even more disastrous.” Yusuf has urged Fifa to seek out alternative sponsors, even if such a move results in reduced prize money or fewer funds being distributed across the sport. This year, at the Africa Cup of Nations, William Troost-Ekong wore sustainable football boots crafted from castor beans, sugarcane, and bamboo. Earlier this year, during the Africa Cup of Nations, William Troost-Ekong achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first footballer to wear boots made from recycled materials in an international tournament. The captain of the Nigeria men’s team is both an investor in and an ambassador for the company that produces these boots, which are constructed from corn waste. The Al-Kholood defender holds the view that the sports community ought to intensify its efforts in backing global initiatives concerning climate change. Troost-Ekong told BBC Sport Africa, “Sport is such a big influence around the world.” He added, “It’s not only about the players. We talk about the organisers of the big tournaments, the clubs, the owners of teams, and of course the fans – because those are the biggest numbers.” Beyond the realm of football, Eliud Kipchoge, the renowned Kenyan marathon runner, is recognized for his fervent conservation endeavors, which include tree-planting initiatives. This is an approach that Troost-Ekong endorses. In January 2023, he planted trees to counterbalance the entire carbon footprint generated by his transfer from Watford to the Italian club Salernitana. His advocacy in recent years has been motivated by fatherhood. The 31-year-old stated, “I’ve got three young children.” He continued, “I would like to think that they can enjoy the same things that we get to enjoy.“We have to be mindful of the changes that are happening and making the positive changes ourselves to really make a difference.” Premier League club Arsenal has set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, with their strategy centered on decreasing and decarbonizing energy usage throughout Emirates Stadium. The UN Climate Change initiative introduced its Sports for Climate Action Framework in 2018 at COP24 in Poland. This framework seeks to offer a pathway for the worldwide sports community to address climate change and to leverage sport as a cohesive instrument for fostering climate awareness. Arsenal was the inaugural Premier League club to endorse this framework in 2020. Their objective is to achieve net-zero emissions, which entails eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, by the year 2040. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global organization that assists businesses in establishing ambitious emissions reduction targets consistent with current climate science, approved this goal. Yusuf commented, “Arsenal is one of the [most] well-known clubs in the world.” She expressed confidence, “For them to take the lead, I’m sure that at some point other clubs will join.” Yusuf holds the conviction that sports organizations, clubs, and individual players possess the capacity to contribute more significantly to environmental protection. She further stated, “My message to them is that sustainability is not short term, it should be a long-time thing.” Yusuf emphasized, “Sport leaders are very important and should get more involved. Education is the best way.” She concluded, “Before you know it, everyone will come along to support the cause and make the world a better place by tackling climate change.” © 2024 BBC. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.