Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, Aramco, and the international football governing body, FIFA, have inked a significant sponsorship agreement set to run until the end of 2027.
The deal, announced on Thursday, designates Aramco as FIFA’s Major Worldwide Partner exclusively in the energy category, marking the company’s latest high-profile investment in global sports.
This partnership also comes as Saudi Arabia stands as the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup.
The sponsorship deal encompasses multiple FIFA events, including the 2026 Men’s World Cup and the subsequent Women’s World Cup in 2027.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his delight in welcoming Aramco to FIFA’s global partner family. He emphasized that the partnership will not only bolster the success of FIFA’s flagship tournaments over the next four years but also enable enhanced support for FIFA’s 211 member associations worldwide. Infantino lauded Aramco’s track record of backing world-class events and its commitment to grassroots sports initiatives.
However, Saudi Arabia’s increasing involvement in global sports has been met with criticism. The country has been accused of “sportswashing” to divert attention from its human rights record. Notably, Premier League club Newcastle United and LIV Golf are financed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
This sovereign wealth vehicle is also investing heavily in elevating the Saudi Pro League’s stature. Additionally, the Women’s Tennis Association recently committed to holding the WTA Finals in Riyadh for the next three editions.
Aramco’s CEO, Amin H. Nasser, highlighted the company’s commitment to football development through this partnership with FIFA.
He stated that Aramco’s involvement with the Saudi football team Al-Qadsiah, women’s golf via the Aramco Team Series, and educational initiatives reflect their broader ambition to leverage sports for societal impact and grassroots development.
