Fifa has announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, Aramco.
The deal is in place until 2027, giving Aramco sponsorship rights for the men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup the following year.
The company already has sponsorship deals within Formula 1 and is a partner of the International Cricket Council.
“Aramco has a strong track record of supporting world-class events, but also a focus on developing grassroots sport initiatives,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
The partnership means the Gulf kingdom continues to increase its influence on sport globally.
Saudi Arabia has been accused by critics of investing in sport and using high-profile events to improve its international reputation – a process that has been labelled ‘sportswashing’.
It has been criticised for its human rights violations, the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, women’s rights abuses, the criminalisation of homosexuality, the restriction of free speech and the war in Yemen.
A report published in November 2023 found that there were 312 sponsorship deals from Saudi Arabia across 21 sports.
It is the only bidder for the 2034 World Cup, officially launching its campaign in March after Australia pulled out of the running in October. Fifa will confirm the hosts later this year.
Amnesty International said the Aramco deal “raises human rights concerns” and called on Fifa to make “binding agreements with Saudi Arabia to protect people from exploitation, discrimination, and repression” before awarding it
