Saudi Fund for Development and FIFA Announce USD 1 Billion Investment for Global Sports Infrastructure

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and FIFA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a major financing program that will allocate up to USD1 billion (AUD1.5 billion) in concessional loans for the construction and enhancement of sports stadiums and surrounding infrastructure in developing nations worldwide.

This partnership is designed to strategically address the wide gap in world-class facilities among FIFA’s 211 Member Associations (MAs). The program will prioritise nations that have established clear strategies to harness sport as a catalyst for national development, focusing on long-term social and economic outcomes.

The initiative boost the proven economic impact of the sports sector, which independent reports estimate contributes nearly 2% of the world’s gross domestic product.

By building modern, multi-sport venues that meet international standards, the program aims to unlock potential for local employment, stimulate businesses, and strengthen social cohesion.

Emphasising the holistic developmental strategy underpinning the MoU, CEO of the SFD, Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, said: “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,” Al-Marshad said.

Confirming the necessity of the agreement in supporting the global football ecosystem, Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, added: “Through this memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Fund for Development, up to USD 1 billion will be made available via concessional loans to finance the construction and enhancement of FIFA-certified stadiums.”

“This agreement is a crucial step in ensuring our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global,” Infantino said.

The concessional loans are intended to act as seed financing, delivered in active collaboration with national authorities to ensure projects contribute to long-term economic resilience and local capacity building. The model is designed to be scalable, aiming to attract further investment from other development institutions and private-sector partners.

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