FIFA and Saudi Arabia Forge Strategic Partnership for Global Football Development

omidbasir- On Monday, FIFA announced a landmark agreement to facilitate increased investment from Saudi Arabia, which includes provisions for up to $1 billion in stadium-financing loans aimed at developing nations.

The collaboration between the Saudi Fund for Development and FIFA will enable subsidized loans for member football associations, facilitating the construction and renovation of football stadiums.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the men’s World Cup for the first time in 2034, marking a significant milestone for the nation.

Additionally, FIFA has secured a sponsorship agreement with Saudi state oil company Aramco for the 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 the partnership reflects a mutual commitment to bolster the sports infrastructure of developing nations, contributing to broader social and economic development goals.

During a ceremony in Zurich to formalize the agreement, Infantino remarked, “Developing and building infrastructure is extremely, extremely important. I would like to express my gratitude to the Saudi Fund for Development, its CEO, and the entire team for making this partnership possible.”

Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, stated, “At SFD, we believe in the transformative power of sports. 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 youth, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has previously invested in projects such as LIV Golf and has sponsored high-profile boxing events.

In December 2024, FIFA announced a global broadcasting deal for the Club World Cup with streaming service DAZN, just two days before confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the men’s 2034 World Cup. Speculation regarding a significant Saudi investment in DAZN, reported to be around $1 billion, was later confirmed.