The players describe the arrangement as a "punch in the stomach" and argue that it contradicts the values of both FIFA and women's football, BBC reports.
A coalition of over 100 professional women footballers has called on the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to terminate its sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco, citing the partnership as a significant detriment to the sport.
The players describe the arrangement as a "punch in the stomach" and argue that it contradicts the values of both FIFA and women's football, BBC reports.
FIFA's partnership with the state-owned company was announced earlier this year and is set to last until 2027, granting Aramco sponsorship rights for the men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup in 2027.
The players, representing 24 countries, are urging FIFA to reconsider this decision on humanitarian and environmental grounds.
Vivianne Miedema, a Manchester City striker and one of the signatories, told BBC Sport: "I think as footballers, and especially as women's footballers, we carry the responsibility to show the world and the next generation what is right.
"I think this sponsorship is not right for what Fifa stands for, but also what we as women footballers stand for."
She further emphasised that Fifa's commitment to inclusivity must extend to its sponsorship choices, stating, "Fifa always shouts that they want the game to be inclusive, and they want the game to lead by example. Well, if so, then make sure that you align with sponsorships that are leading by example."
In response, Fifa asserted its commitment to the partnership with Aramco, emphasising that sponsorship revenues are reinvested into women's football at all levels.
Critics accuse Saudi Arabia of using high-profile sporting events to enhance its global reputation, a strategy labeled "sportswashing" amid ongoing concerns about its human rights record.
The independent think tank Carbon Tracker has identified Aramco as "the world's largest corporate greenhouse gas emitter."
The company is already involved in sponsorship deals with various sports organisations, including Formula One and the Ladies European Tour.
The footballers opposing the sponsorship, who collectively hold over 2300 international caps, include prominent players such as England's Niamh Charles and the captains of Canada and Italy's national teams. Their initiative has received support from Athletes of the World, an organization advocating for issues like climate change and poverty.
Danish international Sofie Junge Pedersen, a key figure behind the letter, criticised the deal, describing it as "worse than an own goal" and insisting that women's football "deserves better" from its governing body.
She added, "We would like Fifa to replace Saudi Aramco with other sponsors whose values align more with gender equality, human rights, and a safe planet for everyone."
Both Pedersen and Miedema acknowledge that seeking alternative sponsors may result in less lucrative deals, but they believe it is crucial for the integrity of the sport. Miedema warned that if Aramco remains a sponsor for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, players may take further action.
"I think you've seen over the past couple of years that women's teams are not scared to stand up for what they believe in," Miedema stated. "You’ve seen boycotts from numerous teams, obviously recently, like with the America team, with the Canadian team; everyone is very open and willing to share their opinions.
"That shows you that going forward, there will be a lot of attention, and there will definitely be things happening around the World Cup."
In response to the players' proposal for an advisory committee, Fifa mentioned in May that it plans to establish various committees for the women's game, including a women's players' committee, though it is still in progress.
Fifa reiterated its commitment to Aramco and its other commercial partners, stating, "Fifa values its partnership with Aramco and its many other commercial and rights partners, including the BBC."
The organisation also emphasised its dedication to reinvesting sponsorship revenues into the women's game, highlighting increased support for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 and its updated Women's Football Strategy for 2023-2027.