FIFA Strengthens Ties with Saudi Arabia: Million-Dollar Investment for Football Development
FIFA has taken a significant step by announcing an investment of up to $1 billion from Saudi Arabia, aimed at financing loans for the construction and renovation of stadiums in developing countries. This agreement, which reflects a growing collaboration, was formalized on Monday. Subsidized loans, resulting from the alliance between the Saudi Fund for Development and FIFA, will be available to affiliated football associations, with the aim of improving sports infrastructure globally.
FIFA highlighted that this agreement “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 the ceremony in Zurich, Infantino thanked the Saudi Fund for Development and his team for making this strategic partnership possible.This agreement is a crucial step in ensuring that our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities needed to truly globalize football.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
Saudi investment in sports is not limited to this agreement. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has funded the LIV Golf project and sponsored renowned boxing events. In December 2024, FIFA announced a global broadcast agreement for the Club World Cup with the streaming service DAZN, two days before confirming Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 men’s World Cup. Weeks later, a Saudi investment in DAZN was confirmed, estimated at around $1 billion.We believe in the power of sport to change lives. We are combining our strengths: funding for SFD development and FIFA’s technical experts, not only to build stadiums, but also to create lasting legacies. We are investing in the infrastructure that will unlock human potential, generate jobs, empower young people, and strengthen communities for future generations.
Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development
