The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and FIFA have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will unlock up to USD 1 billion in concessional loans to finance the construction and rehabilitation of sports stadiums and related infrastructure in developing countries.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening sports ecosystems as a driver of economic and social progress. Under the programme, priority will be given to developing nations and their respective FIFA Member Associations (MAs), enabling them to invest in facilities that support growth, expand opportunity, and inspire participation across all levels of sport.
Independent studies estimate that the global sports economy contributes nearly 2 percent of the world’s GDP, highlighting its growing influence on employment, tourism, and community development. Yet, with 211 FIFA Member Associations worldwide, significant disparities remain between nations with advanced sports facilities and those without. The new partnership seeks to close this gap.
Through the concessional financing, national governments will receive support to design, fund, and construct modern multi-sport venues that meet international standards. These facilities are expected to catalyse job creation, boost local businesses, and provide safe, modern spaces for young people to meet, train, and compete—strengthening social cohesion in the process.
SFD and FIFA will work closely with local authorities to ensure that funded projects promote long-term economic resilience and build local expertise. The initiative is also designed to attract co-financing from development partners, the private sector, and regional organisations, creating a scalable blueprint for sustainable sports infrastructure development.
Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the SFD, emphasized the programme’s broader impact, saying: “Sport is more than competition—it’s a catalyst for development and inclusion. Through concessional financing, we are helping countries unlock potential, empower young people, and strengthen communities for generations to come.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed the agreement, describing it as a vital step toward global football development. “Many of our Member Associations require additional support to build the infrastructure needed to host competitions. This partnership with the SFD will make up to USD 1 billion available to finance FIFA-certified stadiums, helping us ensure that football truly becomes a global game,” he stated.
For the SFD, the agreement reinforces its commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for development. Over more than five decades, the Fund has financed more than 800 development projects worth over USD 22 billion in 100 countries, promoting sustainable growth and improving lives around the world. This new collaboration marks a significant expansion of its support for sports infrastructure, recognizing its power to generate employment, boost tourism, promote health, and strengthen communities.