FIFA Secures Up to $1 Billion in Saudi-backed Loans for Stadium Development

On Monday, FIFA announced a significant partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development, facilitating up to $1 billion in Saudi-backed loans aimed at financing stadium projects in developing nations.

These subsidized loans will be available to member football associations, enabling them to construct or renovate stadiums, thereby enhancing their sporting infrastructure.

This initiative 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 the Saudi state oil company, Aramco, for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

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

According to FIFA’s press release, the partnership highlights a mutual commitment to assist developing nations in bolstering their sports ecosystems as part of broader efforts for social and economic advancement.

During a ceremony in Zurich commemorating the agreement, Infantino emphasized the importance of developing infrastructure and expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Fund for Development and its CEO for making the collaboration possible.

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. By combining our strengths—SFD’s development finance and FIFA’s technical expertise—we aim not only to build venues but to create enduring legacies. This investment will unlock human potential, generate jobs, empower youth, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has also been actively involved in significant projects, including funding the LIV Golf initiative and sponsoring high-profile boxing events.

FIFA previously announced a global broadcasting agreement for the Club World Cup with streaming service DAZN, set for December 2024, just two days before confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the men’s 2034 World Cup. Speculations regarding a substantial Saudi investment in DAZN, reportedly around $1 billion, were confirmed a few weeks later.