Article body analysed
Tessel Middag is one of 11 Scottish top-flight players to sign a letter to Fifa Rangers midfielder Tessel Middag says she and more than 100 players felt they could "not stay silent" after signing a letter calling on world football governing body Fifa to end its controversial partnership agreement with Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco. Fifa earlier this year announced the deal until 2027 with the state-owned company, which now has sponsorship rights to the men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup the following year. But players drawn from 24 countries, including 11 from the Scottish Women's Premier League, have called on Fifa to reconsider on humanitarian and environmental grounds. "It is almost entirely owned by the Saudi regime, which we know commits human rights abuses, " Netherlands international Middag told BBC Radio Scotland. "For women, it is not a very safe place to be - there's a disobedience law still in place. SWPL: Glasgow City go top as Rangers rescue point against Hibs "It is not just about women's rights, it's about human rights and climate action. All of those things are hugely important but not as important to Fifa as the sponsorship money Aramco can bring. " Saudi Arabia has been accused by critics of investing in various sports and using high-profile events to improve its international reputation. Aramco has not commented on the letter from the women players, while Fifa told BBC Sport that sponsorship revenues were reinvested in the women's game at all levels. While Middag, who is vice-chair of players union PFA Scotland, applauded that, she added: "We have to be aware of how these investments are used and how they are maybe to mask certain human rights abuses, which I don't think we can stay silent about. "I and more than 100 other female footballers have the possibility and freedom to speak out against sponsorship deals like these, but we know that women in Saudi Arabia don't have that right and that's why we want to make this stand. " Joining Middag in signing the letter are Rangers team-mate Jane Ross, fellow Scotland international Lisa Evans, of Glasgow City, Celtic's Mathilde Carstens, Hibernian's Ciara Grant and Rosie Livingstone, Heart of Midlothian's Emma Ilijoski, Dundee United's Abbie Cusack, Motherwell's Gillian Inglis and Spartans duo Ella Beaton-Hill and Hannah Jordan. Football latest: Weekend and VAR reaction plus Van Dijk begins Liverpool contract talks 'We lost our local fans, we lost our beautiful stadium, we lost our city' Van Dijk in talks with Liverpool about new deal A family driven from their home by a violent spirit The truth behind rumours about strange events in a terraced house in West Belfast in 1989 The inside story of a scandal that rocked Hollywood. Video The inside story of a scandal that rocked Hollywood Who is the mysterious former waiter who bought Hollywood's legendary MGM/UA studio in 1990? Who will run Rupert Murdoch’s media empire in the future? The succession battle played out in a court room in the US State of Nevada recently David uncovers the hidden histories of two buildings Discover the lives of residents in London and Berlin during World War Two Why Bloom partnership could be game-changer for Hearts - and Scottish football Will Glasgow be last leg or clever rebirth for Commonwealths? What do athletes think about Glasgow 2026? From titles to tinpottery - rank Scotland's top 10 clubs Subscribe & follow updates on your Premiership team Benitez praises 'fantastic' Jones performance for Liverpool. Video Benitez praises 'fantastic' Jones performance for Liverpool Penalty 'momentum killer' for title hopes - Norris 'Slot's more measured Liverpool pass biggest test yet' Should Wolves have reacted quicker to controversial Man City winner? Video Should Wolves have reacted quicker to controversial Man City winner? Chiefs stay unbeaten after scrappy Super Bowl rematch New Zealand win their first T20 World Cup with win over SA. Video New Zealand win their first T20 World Cup with win over SA Are exhibitions impacting 'tight' tennis calendar? Bates and Devine's crowning moment in World Cup of hope Man City winner at Wolves a 'grey area' - but what does law say? Stockholm derby suspended after pyrotechnics thrown Pearsall makes NFL debut 50 days after being shot Do Arsenal have a red card problem - and could it cost them the title? The black coaches leading Orlando Pride to success Which Premier League players have been surprise packages? Desperate measures bring Pakistan a moment of salvation 'Never give up' - Calafiori's journey from big injury to Premier League From Accrington Stanley to England No 2 - who is 'all round good egg' Barry? Tuchel - a sacrifice of principle or best man for England job? Vote now for your BBC Women's Footballer of the Year Meet the nominees for BBC Women's Footballer of the Year. Video Meet the nominees for BBC Women's Footballer of the Year © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.