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Oliver Stride's avatar

I’m all for holding corporations responsible for their atrocities, but it really seems like splitting hairs trying to go after Aramco specifically. There are so many evil companies sponsoring sports, not to mention organizers themselves being corrupt like the IOC.

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Karim Zidan's avatar

Hey Oliver, this essay was in response to the open letter published to FIFA about its partnership with Aramco, rather than an encompassing piece about evil corporations. And though I did mention the other major oil giants involved in sports, I disagree that it is "splitting hairs" to focus on Aramco. This isn't just a major corporation, it is an oil giant directly controlled by the Saudi regime and is an essential component of their political might. It is also a pivotal aspect of the kingdom's sports strategy through major sponsorships that help cultivate soft power.

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Patrick Rea's avatar

Honestly I’m hoping the EU competition ruling on transfers helps destroy FIFA’s influence in the game. Every club team fan HATE the international break. FIFA won’t listen to anyone especially not with a relationship with ARAMACO at stake.

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