FIFA Partners with Saudi Arabia for Stadium Financing Initiative

omidbasir- On Monday, FIFA announced its agreement to facilitate increased investment from Saudi Arabia, unveiling a program that offers up to $1 billion in Saudi-backed loans aimed at financing stadium development for emerging countries.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Saudi Fund for Development and FIFA, will provide subsidized loans to member football associations tasked with building or renovating stadiums.

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

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

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the agreement as “a crucial step in ensuring our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global.”

In a news release, FIFA emphasized that the partnership reflects a mutual commitment to aid developing nations in enhancing their sports ecosystems, supporting broader social and economic development initiatives.

During a ceremony in Zurich to celebrate 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: “We at SFD believe in the transformative power of sports. By combining our development finance capabilities with FIFA’s technical expertise, we aim not only to construct venues but to create enduring legacies. Our investment in infrastructure will unlock human potential, generate jobs, empower youth, and strengthen communities for generations.”

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has also been involved in funding the LIV Golf series, as well as sponsoring and hosting high-profile boxing events.

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