‘Putting money over humanity’ — Ex-Falcons player criticises FIFA’s sponsorship deal with Aramco

Ayisat Yusuf-Aromire, former Super Falcons player, has criticised FIFA for its recent sponsorship deal with Saudi Aramco, an oil company. 

In April, FIFA agreed to a deal for Aramco to be its “major worldwide partner”.

The four-year contract also gives Aramco “sponsorship rights for multiple events, including the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027”.

In October, over 100 professional female footballers wrote an open letter to FIFA demanding the halt of the deal.

The players questioned the company’s commitment to sustainability, given its “record of global pollution and lobbying against climate action”.

The letter also highlighted issues of human rights violations, particularly against women.

In a chat with BBC on Friday, Yusuf-Aromire, one of the women who signed the open letter, described the partnership with Aramco as FIFA putting “money above humanity”.

She added that the deal contrasts the values of footballers, and money should not be allowed to replace those principles.

“Fifa don’t have to take money above humanity,” Yusuf-Aromire said.

“It’s very important we let people know that partnership – giving sponsorship to Aramco – does not stand for what our values [as female footballers] are.

“Our values should be put first regardless of the money. We’re just making our voice heard, for them to also reconsider and think about humanity, our health and our human rights.

“Climate change is a global issue and affects most people that do sport. It is very important.

“We are all fighting for a common goal and for the betterment of everyone, for us to live in a safe environment.

“If we don’t [deal with] this now, it’s going to be too late and even more disastrous.”

Saudi Arabia are in a prime position to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. According to FIFA, the country’s bid to host the competition is unopposed.

Yusuf-Aromire played for the Super Falcons for seven years before retiring in 2009. She featured in the 2004 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON), 2007 Women’s World Cup and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.