The All Blacks have become the latest big name to be dragged into the Adani saga after campaigners called on the athletes to abandon AIG as their sponsor.
AIG remains one of the few insurers yet to rule themselves out of the controversial Adani coal mine and claims have begun to surface in the market that they are already providing coverage.
According to corporate activist group Sum of Us, an AIG staff member confirmed the insurer is currently providing coverage for groundworks and D&O liability – and is considering renewing the policy when it expires at the end of this month.
Speaking to Insurance Business, campaign manager Nick Haines said he couldn’t reveal the identity of the source, but said all signs point to the information being true.
“The leak came to one of our partners from a staff member at AIG, they’ve spoken to our partner a fair bit about this and we’re confident in their reliability,” he said.
“The fact that AIG is refusing to deny they’ve involved, and that they’re stonewalling the media, also speaks volumes,” he added.
Apparently, the leak also revealed that the issue has caused contention at AIG, with many employees speaking up against the decision and urging the insurer to step back.
“The source said it’s really upset staff,” said Haines. “It’s been a huge cause of consternation and people are even threatening to resign over it.”
Conflict has also arisen between the US and Australian offices regarding the issue, claimed the source, with New York concerned about “blowback” with the NZ All Blacks, who AIG sponsor.
As a result, Sum of Us is now calling on the All Blacks to weigh in and add their own voice to the many others which are calling on AIG to rule themselves out of the project.
“In Australia, we often look to New Zealand as a climate leader and a leader on Indigenous Peoples’ rights so for a team as revered as the All Blacks to run out onto the pitch at the Rugby World Cup this week, wearing the logos of a company deeply tied up with Adani, is pretty shocking,” said Haines.
“Adani’s record of environmental abuses and disregard for traditional owners speaks for itself,” he continued. “Adani can’t continue this without the help of companies like AIG. That’s why we are calling on the All Blacks to distance themselves from this toxic project and suspend their sponsorship with AIG immediately.”
AIG did not respond to requests for comment.
