FIFA Partners with Saudi Arabia for Stadium Financing

FIFA has made significant strides in fostering global football development by agreeing to a partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development, which will facilitate up to $1 billion in stadium-financing loans for developing countries.

These subsidized loans will be made available to member football associations to assist in the construction and renovation of stadiums, emphasizing FIFA’s commitment to enhancing sporting facilities worldwide.

Notably, Saudi Arabia is set to host the Men’s World Cup for the first time in 2034, marking a new chapter in the nation’s involvement in global football.

In addition to this initiative, FIFA has secured a sponsorship agreement with Aramco, the Saudi state oil company, for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino remarked that this agreement is a pivotal step towards ensuring that FIFA Member Associations possess the necessary infrastructure to expand the reach of football globally.

In a press release, FIFA stated that this collaboration highlights a mutual commitment to aid developing nations in enhancing their sports ecosystems, aligning with broader objectives of promoting social and economic progress.

During a ceremonial event held in Zurich to celebrate the agreement, Infantino expressed his gratitude towards the Saudi Fund for Development and its leadership for facilitating this partnership. He emphasized the critical importance of developing infrastructure in the context of global football.

Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, shared his belief in the transformative power of sports, stating, “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.”

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has made notable investments in various sports initiatives, including the LIV Golf project and high-profile boxing events.

In further developments, FIFA has announced a global broadcast agreement with DAZN for the Club World Cup, expected to begin in December 2024, just two days prior to confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the Men’s World Cup in 2034. Speculation regarding a substantial Saudi investment in DAZN, estimated to be around $1 billion, was also confirmed weeks later.