“Ex-Super Falcon says Fifa putting money 'over humanity”, 22 November 2024

Last month, more than 100 female professional footballers from across the globe came together to criticize Fifa's partnership with Saudi oil giant Aramco, denouncing the deal on environmental and humanitarian grounds. Now, following the United Nations' COP29 climate summit, the only African who signed the open letter, external has revealed why she took part in the protest. Former Nigeria international Ayisat Yusuf has described Fifa's decision to work with Aramco as "not justifiable", despite football's governing body stating that sponsorship revenues are reinvested back into the women's game "at all levels". "Fifa don't have to take money above humanity," Yusuf told BBC Sport Africa. "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." Aramco, owned by the Saudi Arabian state, is the biggest oil producer in the world. Its three-year deal with Fifa gives it sponsorship rights to the men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup the following year. As well as criticising its negative impact on the climate via greenhouse gas emissions, the players' letter highlighted allegations of human rights violations by the Gulf kingdom, describing the partnership as a "punch in the stomach" and a significant setback for women's football. They also called for the establishment of a review committee, with player representation, to evaluate the ethical implications of Fifa's future sponsorships agreements.

A Fifa spokesperson told BBC Sport Africa it "values its partnership with Aramco" and said it was "an inclusive organisation with many commercial partners also supporting other organisations in football and other sports". Citing last year's Women's World Cup, it also said: "As well as the increased support for teams at the tournament last year, Fifa’s updated Women’s Football Strategy for 2023-2027 further highlights how commercial revenues are reinvested back into the development of the women’s game."

Aramco say "environmental stewardship is deeply integral" to the company's approach, and it will continue to "innovate and explore management solutions" that minimise the environmental impact of its activities and products.