FIFA Secures $1 Billion in Saudi-backed Stadium Loans for Developing Nations

On Monday, FIFA reached a significant agreement to increase investment from Saudi Arabia, unveiling plans for up to $1 billion in stadium-financing loans backed by the Saudi Fund for Development, aimed at supporting developing countries.

These subsidized loans will be made available to member football associations, facilitating the construction and renovation of stadiums across various nations.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the Men’s World Cup for the first time in 2034.

Additionally, FIFA has secured a sponsorship agreement with Saudi state oil company Aramco for the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the agreement as “a crucial step in ensuring our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global.”

In a press release, FIFA emphasized that this collaboration “underscores a shared commitment to support developing nations in strengthening their sports ecosystems as part of broader efforts to advance social and economic development.”

During a ceremony held in Zurich to celebrate the pact, Infantino expressed gratitude, saying: “Developing and building infrastructure is extremely, extremely important. I would like to thank and acknowledge the Saudi Fund for Development, its CEO, and the entire team for making this partnership possible.”

Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, stated: “We at SFD believe in the power of sports to change lives. We are combining our strengths—SFD’s development finance and FIFA’s technical expertise—not only to build venues but also to create lasting legacies. We are investing in infrastructure that will unlock human potential, generate jobs, empower young people, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been instrumental in funding the LIV Golf project and sponsoring high-profile boxing events.

In December 2024, FIFA announced a global broadcast deal for the Club World Cup with streaming service DAZN, shortly before confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 Men’s World Cup.

A widely speculated Saudi investment in DAZN, estimated at around $1 billion, was confirmed a few weeks later.

This report incorporates information from The Associated Press.