FIFA Secures Saudi Investment for Global Football Infrastructure

On Monday, FIFA announced a significant agreement to enhance investment from Saudi Arabia, unveiling plans for up to $1 billion in Saudi-backed stadium-financing loans aimed at supporting developing nations.

The Saudi Fund for Development and FIFA have teamed up to offer subsidized loans to member football associations for the construction or 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 Aramco, the state oil company of Saudi Arabia, 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 an official release, FIFA highlighted that the partnership “underscores a shared commitment to support developing nations in strengthening their sports ecosystems as part of broader efforts to advance social and economic development.”

During a ceremony in Zurich marking the agreement, Infantino expressed gratitude towards the Saudi Fund for Development, its CEO, and the entire team for facilitating this partnership, stating, “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 aim to invest 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 has previously financed the LIV Golf project and has sponsored high-profile boxing events.

In December 2024, FIFA announced a global broadcast deal for the Club World Cup with streaming service DAZN, shortly before confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the men’s 2034 World Cup. A widely anticipated investment by Saudi Arabia in DAZN, reported to be around $1 billion, was later confirmed.