FIFA and the Saudi Fund for Development have signed a memorandum of agreement to allocate up to $1 billion in favorable loans for the construction and renovation of sports stadiums and basic adjacent infrastructure in developing countries worldwide. According to FIFA, the agreement demonstrates a common commitment to help as part of an overall plan aimed at promoting economic and social development. The program will prioritize developing countries and their respective member federations, with the goal of helping them invest in facilities that contribute to growth, generate opportunities, and foster participation at all levels. The collaboration aims to help national governments design, finance, and build modern multi-sport complexes that meet international standards and become spaces around which inclusion, education, and community life can develop. The new facilities will create jobs, foster local businesses, and strengthen social cohesion by offering safe and modern spaces where young people can gather, train, and compete. FIFA noted that according to independent reports, the sports economy is estimated to contribute nearly 2% of global GDP, highlighting its growing importance as a driver of community, labor, and tourism development. At the same time, it pointed out that with 211 member federations worldwide, 'disparities remain considerable between countries that have top-level facilities and those that do not.' FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that 'FIFA's mission is to develop football around the world' and that many of its federations 'need additional support to have the necessary infrastructure to host competitions.' 'This agreement marks a decisive step towards ensuring that our member federations have the facilities needed to make football truly global,' he stated. Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, emphasized that 'sport is more than a competition; it is a catalyst for development and inclusion.' 'Through favorable financing, we help countries build the infrastructure needed to harness their potential, equip youth with tools, and strengthen society for the benefit of future generations,' he added.
