The Times reports on talks between FIFA and the oil company Aramco. A lot of money is at stake. And this after the 2034 World Cup has practically been awarded to Saudi Arabia.

According to a report in the British newspaper “Times”, soccer’s world governing body is said to be in negotiations with the Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco. This is said to be about a possible deal to sponsor FIFA. According to the Times, up to the equivalent of around 96 million euros per year is being discussed.

This would make the group FIFA’s biggest financial backer, according to the report on Thursday. Sources in the marketing industry with knowledge of Aramco’s plans told the Times that talks about a sponsorship deal were at an advanced stage.

Saudi Arabia the only World Cup candidate for 2034

According to the report, there was no response from the group to a corresponding inquiry. FIFA, meanwhile, has stated that it will neither confirm nor deny commercial speculation, citing its guidelines.

Saudi Arabia, which, like last year’s World Cup host Qatar, has been criticized for its human rights record and sportswashing, is the only candidate to have declared an interest in hosting the 2034 World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino then announced via Instagram that the award to Saudi Arabia had already been practically decided, and the World Cup will ultimately be awarded at a congress of the world governing body at the end of next year.

Aramco also already involved in Formula 1

Oil giant Aramco is already represented as a sponsor in other sports, including women’s golf and Formula 1 as one of the top partners of motorsport’s premier class and the Aston Martin racing team.