FIFA Partners with Saudi Arabia for Stadium Financing and Development

omidbasir- On Monday, FIFA announced a landmark agreement with Saudi Arabia to provide up to $1 billion in stadium-financing loans aimed at supporting developing countries. This initiative, backed by the Saudi Fund for Development, will enable member football associations to construct or renovate stadiums.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the men’s World Cup for the first time in 2034, marking a significant milestone for the nation within the international football landscape.

In addition to this financing agreement, FIFA has secured a sponsorship deal with Aramco, the state oil company of Saudi Arabia, for the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of this collaboration, calling it “a crucial step in ensuring our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global.” He highlighted the deal’s role in reinforcing a commitment to assist developing nations in enhancing their sports infrastructure, which is part of broader efforts to promote social and economic development.

During a ceremony held in Zurich to commemorate the agreement, Infantino expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Fund for Development, its CEO, and the entire team for facilitating this partnership.

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 the infrastructure that will unlock human potential, generate jobs, empower young people, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”

In addition to this partnership, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has previously financed projects such as LIV Golf and has sponsored high-profile boxing events.

FIFA also announced a global broadcasting deal for the Club World Cup with the streaming service DAZN, scheduled for December 2024, just two days before confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the men’s 2034 World Cup. Speculations regarding a significant Saudi investment in DAZN, reportedly around $1 billion, were confirmed weeks later.