Nov 26,2024
Lily Agg says she had no hesitation about joining protestations against FIFA's sponsorship agreement with a Saudi Arabian oil company.
Agg is among a group of over 100 professional female footballers who signed an open letter to FIFA last month urging the governing body to end its partnership with oil and gas conglomerate Saudi Aramco. Her Republic of Ireland teammates Diane Caldwell and Kyra Carusa also added their signatures.
Back in April, Aramco agreed a deal to become a worldwide partner for the 2026 men's World Cup and the Women's World Cup in Brazil the following year.
There has been a strong backlash to that development.
"I think we have a platform," Agg said when asked about her reasons for getting involved.
"I’m someone who is quite direct, I’m more than happy to speak up about things that I believe in. When I was approached by Diane (Caldwell) in regards to that, it’s something that I do not have a problem at all putting my name forward for.
"I think it obviously shows a bit of courage, because we often worry about the repercussions of doing things like that, but we have a platform and I believe we should (stand) up and stay true to things that we believe in. That’s what I've done."
When asked to expand on her reasons for putting her name to the letter, Agg said: "Just in terms of the background for women’s rights, especially in Saudi. I think we’re sheltered from quite a lot that goes on.
"For us, as players, as I said, I think it’s important that we highlight these things. People can do their own research into what goes on within that, but it’s something that after discussion with some of my teammates and other players, I felt I wanted to stick up for.
"You want FIFA to respond. We haven’t had a response as of yet, but we would like (one).
"Women’s rights are massive over there and I’m more than happy to speak up for that. But again, that’s the kind of person I am. I’ll always speak up for something I feel is right, regardless of repercussions as well."
A qualified teacher, Agg has form when it comes to being proactive about helping out a cause close to her heart. Earlier this year she started her own tax company, LA Tax Advisory, to help female footballers with their tax returns and finances. It’s gone from strength to strength.
This week her focus is solely on football, and the small matter of a Euro 2025 play-off final against Wales. The Girls in Green head to Cardiff on Friday for the first leg before welcoming the Welsh back to the Aviva Stadium the following Tuesday.
Agg played in the nerve-jangling World Cup play-off against Scotland two years ago, and knows the significance of these games; indeed she has a permanent reminder of the Hampden Park victory tattooed onto her arm.
"Nerves is probably not the word, we’re probably more excited," said the tenacious midfielder.
"Qualifying for the World Cup was a moment that we all will never forget. I’ve got it tattooed on me, that date, because it was monumental. And I think it’s something moving forward we want to do regularly, to just qualify for major tournaments. So the next step and the next goal is to qualify for Euros and we’re really focused on that.
"(The tattoo) wasn’t long after qualifying, it was just something I just couldn’t stop thinking about. It was a bit spontaneous that I’m going to go get that tattooed on me. It’s something I see every day, it’s on my arm, and a memory I’ll remember for ever."
Agg will happily ink her other arm if Ireland can get past a hungry, dangerous Wales side. This tie could suit her: a high-stakes international derby against opponents who are certain to be combative and physical. Neither leg will be for the faint of heart.
"I’m honestly happy to play whatever role," she added.
"More recently, maybe Eileen (Gleeson) has seen that I can play a bit more higher up within the team and I think she likes my aggression of pressing.
"It depends on the structure of the team and what kind of structure we’re going for, but I would say my strengths are winning the ball back high through an aggressive press in the final third and then sort of transitioning towards goal, getting in the box and being amongst it.
"I’m ready to play whatever role for the team. I’m ready and I’m feeling good."
