The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced today, Thursday, that it has entered a partnership agreement with the Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco, extending until the conclusion of 2027.
Aramco, under this four-year deal, will become a global partner of FIFA, including involvement in major tournaments such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “This collaboration will aid FIFA in successfully executing its major tournaments and providing additional support to its 211 member associations worldwide.”
Saudi Arabia invests heavily in global sports like golf, football, motorsports, and martial arts.
Sports play a significant role in the government’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, aiming to cultivate new industries and generate employment opportunities, though critics argue it serves as a distraction from the kingdom’s human rights concerns.
The state-owned Aramco also owns the Al-Qadsiah team, competing in the Saudi Second Division, and is constructing a stadium in Dammam set to host matches during the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and potentially the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Aramco’s President and CEO Amin Nasser remarked, “Through our collaboration with FIFA, we aspire to contribute to football’s development and leverage the power of sports to make a global impact.”
