Make the most of the World Cup heat with Aramco’s new FootbOil tanning range!

The world’s biggest oil company and FIFA Major Worldwide Partner, Aramco, is proud to present its new tanning oil range, fronted by Gianni Infantino (InfantinOil) and Donald Trump (DonOil). This  unique collaboration between partners who are committed to boosting summer temperatures aims at ensuring travelling fans can look their best in the World Cup heat. The new range debuts with a promotional campaign around the stadiums where the March internationals of England and the Netherlands are played, as well as at FIFA’s Zurich headquarters and at various US locations.

There has never been a better time for a tournament tan, since due to the climate crisis this summer’s World Cup will be the hottest on record, with 14 out of 16 venues likely to exceed dangerous heat levels. Involving travel between venues thousands of miles apart, this will also be the most polluting tournament ever: a fitting stage for product launch from the world’s largest oil company.

Aramco’s step into cosmetics aligns with the broader Saudi ‘diversification’ strategy. These efforts involve broadcasting skin deep aesthetic changes to the world, especially in using the magic of sport to boost public trust, while remaining fully committed to its most profitable source of income, oil. This commitment is exemplified by the fact that for the country’s biggest sponsorship deal, with FIFA, it chooses to highlight its state oil company. In fact, diversifying to tanning oil is as far away from fossil fuels as Aramco intends to go. Combined with obstructing international climate negotiations as part of the Saudi state delegation, the goal is to ensure that the record profits keep flowing in (as temperatures continue to rise) despite competition from cheap, clean, solar and wind and widespread support for climate action.

Speaking through its agency Greenwash & Partners, Aramco said that “it’s only natural that we build on decades of success with our range of crude, kerosene, diesel and heavy fuels, by  moving into tanning oils too. In FIFA, we’re thrilled to have a partner who’s desperate for cash, has the world’s biggest billboard and is as indifferent as we are about the consequences of heating up our world”.

Reacting to the launch, Fossil Free Football, a fan climate campaign organisation, echoed sets of  men’s and women’s players as well as supporters groups who have criticised FIFA’s embrace of big oil despite the risks dangerous extreme weather poses to the sport. They also point to the fact that FIFA has committed to a 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and promoting “responsible consumption”, through signing the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.

QUOTES

David Wheeler, recently retired professional player (Exeter City, Wycombe Wanderers a.o.) who initiated a campaign of players speaking out against the FIFA – Aramco deal last year, said: “As players, we gave a clear signal to FIFA: we don’t want our sport to be used to promote the fossil fuels that threaten the future of our sport. I’m concerned that during this year’s World Cup, players will be faced by dangerous heat, made worse by the fossil fuel industry they are obliged to promote. It’s time for FIFA to drop fossil fuel sponsors like Aramco.”

Sofie Junge Pedersen, Badalona player and Danish international, one of the leaders of a campaign of players speaking out against the FIFA – Aramco deal and 2024 Guardian Footballer of the Year in 2024, said: “A huge group of players made it very clear that we don’t want this deal between FIFA and Aramco, for human rights and climate reasons. We are still awaiting a response from FIFA, who seem to care more about their sponsors than about their players. It’s important to keep the spotlight on this deal.”

Frank Huisingh, Fossil Free Football, said: “The world is rapidly heating up and this has a terrible impact on life on earth, and that includes football. FIFA could use football’s incredible reach to help promote the solutions that keep us safe, from solar panels to train travel to a more plant-based diet. Instead it has chosen to promote the world’s biggest polluter and support its efforts to keep the world hooked on oil. It’s time for FIFA to drop Aramco.”

• Of course, this press release has satirical elements in it. Aramco did not launch this product. All facts in this piece as well as the quotes from David Wheeler, Sofie Junge Pedersen and Frank Huisingh are real.
• Images of the ads and the campaign actions can be found here.
• For more information, please contact Fossil Free Football’s Frank Huisingh: frank@fossilfreefootball.org