Saudi Fund for Development to Provide Up to $1 Billion in Stadium-Loans for FIFA Member Nations
Saudi Arabia’s SFD and FIFA agree subsidised infrastructure financing to boost football facilities in developing countries
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and FIFA have signed a memorandum of understanding under which up to US$1 billion in concessional loans will be made available to football associations in developing nations for the construction or upgrade of stadiums and sports infrastructure.
The agreement, announced on 24 November 2025 in Zurich, positions SFD’s financing alongside FIFA’s technical expertise to support member associations with venues that meet international standards.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the arrangement as “a crucial step in ensuring our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global.” SFD Chief Executive Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al‑Marshad said the fund believes in “the power of sports to change lives” by creating infrastructure that “unlocks human potential, generates jobs, empowers young people and strengthens communities for generations to come.”
The financing is targeted at stadiums and associated sports-venue investments in countries with limited resources, prioritising developing member associations.
Under the scheme, loans will be offered at concessional rates and complemented by SFD technical support; project selection and eligibility will be guided jointly by FIFA and SFD.
This commitment comes amid Saudi Arabia’s growing global sports engagement and ahead of its hosting of the 2034 Men’s World Cup.
The deal follows a separate long-term partnership in which Saudi Aramco became a global partner of FIFA.
Industry analysts say the loan framework not only advances sports infrastructure in less-developed countries but also enhances Saudi Arabia’s influence within international football governance.
While the headline figure remains “up to US$1 billion,” the actual disbursements will depend on project applications and approvals.
The first wave of funding is expected to be rolled out in the next 12–18 months, with priority given to associations in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The arrangement underlines how public-sector export and investment funds are now aligning with sporting federations to channel development capital, marking a shift from purely commercial sponsorships toward infrastructure-led partnerships with social and economic goals.
The agreement, announced on 24 November 2025 in Zurich, positions SFD’s financing alongside FIFA’s technical expertise to support member associations with venues that meet international standards.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the arrangement as “a crucial step in ensuring our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global.” SFD Chief Executive Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al‑Marshad said the fund believes in “the power of sports to change lives” by creating infrastructure that “unlocks human potential, generates jobs, empowers young people and strengthens communities for generations to come.”
The financing is targeted at stadiums and associated sports-venue investments in countries with limited resources, prioritising developing member associations.
Under the scheme, loans will be offered at concessional rates and complemented by SFD technical support; project selection and eligibility will be guided jointly by FIFA and SFD.
This commitment comes amid Saudi Arabia’s growing global sports engagement and ahead of its hosting of the 2034 Men’s World Cup.
The deal follows a separate long-term partnership in which Saudi Aramco became a global partner of FIFA.
Industry analysts say the loan framework not only advances sports infrastructure in less-developed countries but also enhances Saudi Arabia’s influence within international football governance.
While the headline figure remains “up to US$1 billion,” the actual disbursements will depend on project applications and approvals.
The first wave of funding is expected to be rolled out in the next 12–18 months, with priority given to associations in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The arrangement underlines how public-sector export and investment funds are now aligning with sporting federations to channel development capital, marking a shift from purely commercial sponsorships toward infrastructure-led partnerships with social and economic goals.
