Over 100 professional female footballers have united in a letter urging FIFA to terminate its sponsorship agreement with the state-owned Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco, citing the country’s “brutal human rights violations.
”The four-year partnership, established in April, will see Aramco, which is 98.5% state-owned, sponsor major events, including the men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup in 2027. Critics argue that Saudi Arabia is engaging in “sportswashing,” attempting to improve its image through investments in sports while obscuring its dismal human rights record.
Recently, the Saudi regime has imposed lengthy prison sentences on several women after secret trials, targeting those who advocated for women’s rights on social media.
In their letter published on Monday, the athletes emphasized that young girls, who will become future players, deserve far better from the sport’s governing body than its “allyship with this nightmare sponsor.
”The signatories stated: “Saudi authorities have been spending billions in sports sponsorship to try to distract from the regime’s brutal human rights reputation, but its treatment of women speaks for itself.
“It is because we stand alongside the citizens of Saudi Arabia whose human rights are violated that we are speaking out. We don’t want to be part of covering up these violations.
“We urge FIFA to reconsider this partnership and replace Saudi Aramco with alternative sponsors whose values align with gender equality, human rights, and the safe future of our planet.
“A corporation that bears glaring responsibility for the climate crisis, owned by a state that criminalizes LGBTQ+ individuals and systematically oppresses women, has no place sponsoring our beautiful game.”
Francesco Totti, the legendary figure of AS Roma, has shocked football fans with his recent comments about a potential return to Serie A. The 48-year-old, who hung up his boots in 2017, revealed that he has received calls from various clubs, making him contemplate a comeback.
“I admit that they made me think a little, a little crazy. It would be difficult, but in life you never say never,” he said. Totti acknowledged that many players have continued their careers long after retirement, hinting that he could still have something to offer on the pitch.
The iconic No. 10 also expressed that any return would depend on rigorous training. “If I were to return to Serie A I would have to train really well,” he stated. Despite being open to the idea, Totti made it crystal clear that he would never wear the colors of Lazio, Roma’s arch-rivals.
Totti believes that his skill set could still shine in the current landscape of Serie A. “With the levelof today's Serie A I could easily have my say on the pitch,” he asserted. He maintains a base level of fitness by playing casually, and has indicated he could be match-ready in two to three months.
As he reflects on his past and future, Totti remains a beloved figure in Italian football, and his potential return would undoubtedly send waves through the football world.
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