FIFA Partners with Saudi Arabia for Major Stadium Financing Initiative

omidbasir- On Monday, FIFA unveiled a significant partnership with Saudi Arabia, which involves the provision of up to $1 billion in Saudi-backed stadium financing loans aimed at supporting developing countries.

The collaboration between the Saudi Fund for Development and FIFA will offer subsidized loans to member football associations for 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 the Saudi state oil company, Aramco, for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described 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 this deal reflects a mutual commitment to assist developing nations in enhancing their sports infrastructure, contributing to broader social and economic development goals.

During a ceremony held in Zurich to celebrate the pact, 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 facilitating this partnership.”

Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, stated, “We at SFD believe in the power of sports to transform lives. We are combining our strengths—SFD’s development finance and FIFA’s technical expertise—not only to build venues but also to create enduring legacies. Our investment in infrastructure will unlock human potential, generate jobs, empower youth, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has previously financed the LIV Golf initiative and has been a sponsor and host of notable boxing events.

FIFA also announced a global broadcasting deal with DAZN for the Club World Cup, set to launch in December 2024, shortly before confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the men’s 2034 World Cup.

Following widespread speculation, a Saudi investment in DAZN, reportedly around $1 billion, was confirmed several weeks later.