FIFA and the Saudi Fund for Development sign a USD 1bn partnership to finance stadium construction and boost sports infrastructure in developing countries

FIFA and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) have entered into a landmark partnership to expand and modernise sports infrastructure across developing nations, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to provide up to USD 1 billion in concessional loans.

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The funding will support FIFA Member Associations in countries where improved sports infrastructure can drive national development.

Priority will go to nations with clear strategies to use sport for economic growth, social progress, youth development, and community engagement.

The global sports sector currently contributes nearly 2% of the world’s GDP, highlighting its impact on tourism, employment and social inclusion.

Yet FIFA notes a persistent infrastructure gap between nations with modern stadiums and those without, despite its 211 Member Associations.

The new partnership aims to close that gap by helping governments build or rehabilitate FIFA-certified stadiums and related infrastructure.

The facilities are expected to serve as multi-purpose community hubs, stimulate local economies, create jobs and provide safe, modern spaces for young athletes.

Under the agreement, SFD and FIFA will collaborate with national authorities to identify priority projects.

The initiative is also expected to attract additional investment from private-sector partners, regional bodies and other development finance institutions, creating what both organisations describe as a scalable model for sustainable sports development.

SFD CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad described the partnership as transformative, saying: “Sport is more than competition — it’s a catalyst for development and inclusion. Through concessional financing, we are helping countries build the infrastructure they need to unlock potential, empower young people, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed the deal, stressing that many Member Associations require support to build facilities capable of hosting competitions.

“This agreement is a crucial step in ensuring our Members have the facilities to make football truly global,” he said.

The initiative aligns with SFD’s long-standing mission to support growth in emerging economies.

Over the past five decades, the fund has financed more than 800 development projects worth over USD 22 billion in 100 countries.

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Its entry into sports infrastructure marks a new chapter in its global development agenda.