FIFA-Aramco Deal: Controversial Partnership Strengthens FIFA’s Relationship with Saudi Arabia for World Cup Tournaments

FIFA has strengthened its ties with Saudi Arabia through a major sponsorship deal with the kingdom’s state oil company, Aramco. The agreement, which runs from 2023 to 2027, includes the hosting of several high-profile soccer events such as the 2026 men’s World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The hosts for the 2027 tournament will be chosen in April.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been cultivating a close relationship with Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for years. This relationship was solidified during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, which was sponsored by state-owned energy company Gazprom. In October 2019, Saudi Arabia was named host of the 2034 men’s World Cup, almost guaranteeing their victory due to FIFA’s bidding process rules that allowed only federations from Asia and Oceania to compete.

The new partnership with Aramco is believed to be one of FIFA’s most lucrative sponsorship deals in terms of annual value. It may also cover the new 32-team Club World Cup set to take place in the U.S. next year. The deal comes after criticism over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its treatment of women, but FIFA has defended its decision to partner with the kingdom on political grounds.