More than 100 professional women's footballers have signed an open letter urging Fifa to drop the Saudi oil giant Aramco as a sponsor, calling it a "punch in the stomach" to the sport.
Earlier this year Fifa announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned firm that will run until 2027, giving the company sponsorship rights to the men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup the following year.
The players, drawn from 24 countries, have called on world governing body Fifa to reconsider the deal on humanitarian and environmental grounds.
Manchester City striker Vivianne Miedema is one of the signatories. The Netherlands international told BBC Sport: "I think as footballers, and especially as women's footballers, we carry the responsibility to show the world and the next generation what is right.
"I think this sponsorship is not right for what Fifa stands for, but also what we as women footballers stand for.
"Fifa always shout that they want the game to be inclusive, and they want the game to lead by example. Well, if so, then make sure that you align with sponsorships that are leading by example."
Fifa told BBC Sport it "values its partnership with Aramco" and stressed that sponsorship revenues were reinvested in the women's game at all levels.
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