FIFA Partners with Saudi Arabia for $1 Billion Stadium Financing Initiative

omidbasir- On Monday, FIFA announced a significant partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development, unveiling plans for up to $1 billion in Saudi-backed loans aimed at financing stadium development in various countries.

These subsidized loans will be made available to member football associations, facilitating the construction and renovation of stadiums. This initiative comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the Men’s World Cup for the first time in 2034.

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

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating it is a pivotal step in ensuring that FIFA Member Associations have the necessary infrastructure to promote football on a global scale.

In a press release, FIFA articulated that this collaboration highlights a mutual commitment to bolster the sports ecosystems of developing nations, which plays a crucial role in broader efforts toward social and economic advancement.

During a ceremony in Zurich marking this partnership, Infantino expressed 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, remarked on the transformative power of sports, stating, “We at SFD believe in the power of sports to change lives. We are merging our strengths—SFD’s development finance expertise with FIFA’s technical knowledge—not just to build venues, but to forge enduring legacies. We are investing in the infrastructure that will unlock human potential, generate jobs, empower youth, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has previously supported the LIV Golf project and has been involved in sponsoring and hosting prominent boxing events.

In December 2024, FIFA also announced a global broadcasting agreement for the Club World Cup with streaming service DAZN, shortly before confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 Men’s World Cup. Speculation surrounding a Saudi investment in DAZN, purportedly valued at around $1 billion, was later confirmed.