Women players want Fifa to end deal with Aramco

ZURICH – A group of over 100 professional women footballers on Oct 21 sent an open letter to Fifa, urging the world governing body to end its partnership with oil and gas conglomerate Saudi Aramco.

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In April, Fifa signed a four-year deal which will see Aramco become a worldwide partner, including at major tournaments such as the 2026 World Cup and the Women's World Cup the following year.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sports like football, Formula One and golf in the last few years while critics - including women's rights groups and members of the LGBTQ community - accuse the kingdom of using its Public Investment Fund (PIF) to "sportswash" its human rights record.

The country denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws.

Manchester City and Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedema, Canada captain Jessie Fleming and former United States skipper Becky Sauerbrunn were among the players to sign the letter.