FIFA announces multi-year partnership with Saudi-owned oil company Aramco
World football governing body, FIFA, has signed a multi-year partnership deal with Saudi Arabia state-owned oil company Aramco, the federation announced on Thursday.
According to the BBC, the deal with Aramco is until 2027, covering the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico and the FIFA Women’s World Cup the following year.
Commenting on the partnership, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said, “Aramco has a strong track record of supporting world-class events and a focus on developing grassroots sports initiatives.”
Aramco is now putting its prints in football after the company’s sponsorship deals within Formula One and the partnership with the International Cricket Federation.
However, the partnership between FIFA and Aramco is not expected to be without kickbacks from some public sections, with Saudi Arabia facing accusations of sportswashing over recent investment in football.
Critics said the Gulf country is trying to improve its international image while failing to deal with allegations of ‘human rights violations’ at home.
Saudi Arabia is already the confirmed host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup after the country emerged as the sole bidder to stage the tournament.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Jack-Rich, Trump seek closer U.S.-Nigeria ties
Mr Trump endorsed Mr Jack-Rich’s call for closer engagement, saying Africa possesses extraordinary economic potential that should not be overlooked by the U.S.
Economy
Abia, Enugu collaborate to train 150,000 tech talent
Abia and Enugu have called for stronger regional collaboration to train 150,000 tech talents and incubate 3,000 startups across Nigeria.
States
Museum unveils memorial sculpture to immortalise Onyeama N’Eke
The National Museum of Unity, Enugu, on Wednesday unveiled a memorial sculpture and a permanent exhibition gallery in honour of Onyeama N’Eke.
Health
Kwara assembly backs malaria elimination
The Kwara House of Assembly has reaffirmed support for efforts to eradicate malaria and expand healthcare infrastructure across the state.
NationWide
Tambuwal seeks review of housing agencies, better funding for FMBN
Mr Tambuwal called for stronger funding for the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and a review of government housing policies.
States
Oyo Terrorists: Senate honours slain soldiers, teachers with N50 million donation
Senate president Godwill Akpabio, who gave the approval during the plenary on Wednesday, stated that each of the five bereaved families would receive N10 million.
