FIFA and Saudi Arabia Forge Investment Partnership for Global Football Development

omidbasir- On Monday, FIFA announced its agreement to receive increased investment from Saudi Arabia, introducing a program that will provide up to $1 billion in stadium-financing loans for developing countries.

In collaboration with the Saudi Fund for Development, FIFA revealed that these subsidized loans will be accessible to member football associations for the purpose of constructing or renovating stadiums.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the men’s World Cup for the first time in 2034.

Additionally, FIFA has signed a sponsorship deal with the Saudi state oil company, Aramco, for the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino characterized 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 partnership “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 agreement, Infantino remarked: “Developing and building infrastructure is extremely, extremely important. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Saudi Fund for Development and its CEO, along with the entire team, for making this partnership possible.”

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. By leveraging our strengths—SFD’s development finance and FIFA’s technical expertise—we aim not only to construct venues but also to create lasting legacies. We are investing in infrastructure that will unlock human potential, generate jobs, empower youth, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has also been involved in funding the LIV Golf project and sponsoring high-profile boxing events.

In December 2024, FIFA announced a global broadcast deal 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 Saudi investment in DAZN, reported to be around $1 billion, was validated several weeks later.

This report incorporated information from The Associated Press.