FIFA Partners with Saudi Arabia to Enhance Global Football Infrastructure

On Monday, FIFA announced a significant partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development, pledging up to $1 billion in Saudi-backed loans aimed at financing stadium development in various countries.

These subsidized loans will be made available to member football associations, facilitating the construction and renovation of stadiums, thereby enhancing the global football infrastructure.

This announcement comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the Men’s World Cup for the first time in 2034.

In addition, FIFA has secured a sponsorship agreement with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, Aramco, for the 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 the deal highlights a mutual commitment to assist developing nations in strengthening their sports ecosystems, which is part of broader efforts to advance social and economic growth.

During a ceremonial event in Zurich to commemorate the agreement, Infantino expressed gratitude towards the Saudi Fund for Development and its CEO, acknowledging their role in making this partnership possible. He stated, “Developing and building infrastructure is extremely, extremely important.”

Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, remarked, “We at SFD believe in the power of sports to change lives. 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 young people, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has previously supported the LIV Golf project and sponsored high-profile boxing events.

FIFA also announced a global broadcasting deal with the streaming service 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. Reports of a potential $1 billion Saudi investment in DAZN emerged a few weeks later.

This report incorporates information from The Associated Press.