FIFA Expands Partnership with Saudi Arabia for Stadium Development

omidbasir- On Monday, FIFA announced a significant partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development, committing to provide up to $1 billion in Saudi-backed loans aimed at financing stadium development in emerging nations.

These subsidized loans will be accessible to member football associations, enabling them to construct new stadiums or renovate existing facilities.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the men’s World Cup for the first time in 2034, marking a historic moment for the nation.

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

FIFA President Gianni Infantino remarked that this agreement is “a crucial step in ensuring our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global.” In an official press release, FIFA emphasized that this initiative highlights a mutual commitment to assist developing countries in enhancing their sports infrastructures, as part of a broader strategy to promote social and economic advancement.

During a ceremony in Zurich to commemorate the partnership, Infantino stated, “Developing and building infrastructure is extremely, extremely important. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Saudi Fund for Development, its CEO, and the entire team for making this collaboration possible.”

Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, expressed, “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 enduring legacies. We are investing in infrastructure that will unlock human potential, create jobs, empower youth, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has previously supported initiatives like the LIV Golf project and has sponsored major boxing events.

In December 2024, FIFA announced a global broadcasting partnership for the Club World Cup with streaming service DAZN, shortly before confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the men’s 2034 World Cup. Speculation surrounding a substantial Saudi investment in DAZN, reportedly around $1 billion, was confirmed several weeks later.

This report incorporates information from The Associated Press.