FIFA and Saudi Arabia Forge Partnership for Stadium Development

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

These subsidized loans will be made available to member football associations to either construct new stadiums or renovate existing facilities. This initiative comes in anticipation of Saudi Arabia hosting the men’s World Cup for the first time in 2034.

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

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating, “This is a crucial step in ensuring our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global.”

In a press release, FIFA highlighted that this partnership illustrates a mutual commitment to empower developing nations by fortifying their sports ecosystems, which aligns with broader objectives of fostering social and economic growth.

During a ceremony in Zurich to commemorate the partnership, Infantino remarked: “Developing and building infrastructure is extremely important. I would like to extend my 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, stated: “We believe in the transformative power of sports. By merging our development finance capabilities with FIFA’s technical expertise, we aim not only to construct venues but also to establish enduring legacies. Our investment in infrastructure is designed to unlock human potential, generate employment, empower youth, and strengthen communities for generations.”

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has been involved in various projects, including the LIV Golf initiative, as well as sponsoring and hosting major boxing events.

In December 2024, FIFA announced a global broadcast agreement with the streaming service DAZN for the Club World Cup, shortly before confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the men’s World Cup in 2034. Speculations about a Saudi investment in DAZN, estimated at around $1 billion, were later confirmed.

This report incorporates information from The Associated Press.