FIFA Partners with Saudi Arabia for Stadium Financing Initiative

omidbasir- On Monday, FIFA announced a significant partnership with Saudi Arabia, introducing a financing initiative that will provide up to $1 billion in Saudi-backed loans for stadium development in emerging countries.

The loans, which will be subsidized, are aimed at member football associations to support the construction and renovation of stadiums.

Notably, 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 referred to 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 the deal “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 in Zurich to commemorate the partnership, Infantino expressed gratitude towards the Saudi Fund for Development and its CEO, stating: “Developing and building infrastructure is extremely, extremely important. I would like to thank the Saudi Fund for Development and its entire team for making this partnership possible.”

Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, commented, “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.”

In addition to this initiative, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has previously funded the LIV Golf project and sponsored prominent boxing events.

FIFA also announced a global broadcast deal with the streaming service DAZN for the Club World Cup in December 2024, shortly before confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the men’s 2034 World Cup. Speculation regarding a Saudi investment in DAZN, reportedly around $1 billion, was validated a few weeks later.

This report includes information from The Associated Press.