London, 26 April 2024 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) - Aramco, an energy company majority-owned by the Saudi government, has been announced as a sponsor of the next Women’s World Cup by FIFA.

Football’s world governing body had reportedly been close to a sponsorship deal with the country’s tourism authority prior to last year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which prompted an outcry because of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

Ultimately no contract was agreed with Visit Saudi, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino describing the row as a “storm in a teacup”. He also highlighted what he saw as the “double standard” of World Cup hosts Australia complaining about the Visit Saudi deal while trading with Saudi Arabia in other areas.

The deal with Aramco further strengthens ties between football’s global governing body and the kingdom, which is set to host the 2034 men’s World Cup.

FIFA said the deal will run until 2027 and will also cover the 2026 men’s World Cup as well as the 2027 women’s tournament.

“We are delighted to welcome Aramco to FIFA’s family of global partners,” Infantino said.

“This partnership will assist FIFA to successfully deliver its flagship tournaments over the next four years and, as is the case with all our commercial agreements, enable us to provide enhanced support to our 211 FIFA member associations across the globe.

“Aramco has a strong track record of supporting world-class events, but also a focus on developing grassroots sport initiatives. We look forward to collaborating with them on a variety of initiatives over the coming years.”

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is the majority owner of Newcastle, also holds a minority stake in Aramco.

Aramco has sponsorship agreements in a number of other sports including Formula One, where it is also a top tier global partner.

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