CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad and FIFA President Gianni Infantino signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to allocate up to $1 billion in concessional loans for the construction and rehabilitation of sports stadiums and essential surrounding infrastructure in developing countries around the world, in a step unlocking the potential of sports to drive economic and social development.
The MoU underscores a shared commitment to support developing countries in strengthening their sports ecosystems as part of broader efforts to advance social and economic development.
The program will prioritize developing countries and their respective FIFA Member Associations (MAs), helping them invest in facilities that drive growth, create opportunities, and inspire participation at every level.
Al-Marshad stressed that sport is more than competition; it is 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,” he added.
Infantino noted that FIFA's role is to develop football worldwide. "This memorandum of understanding with the SFD is a crucial step in ensuring our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global.”
For the SFD, this partnership is elevating sport infrastructure as a core component of its development agenda, recognizing the sector’s unique ability to generate employment, boost tourism, promote health, and strengthen community ties.
Building on over five decades of impact - supporting more than 800 development projects worth over $22 billion across 100 countries - SFD continues to drive sustainable growth through development financing and projects that improve lives and foster lasting prosperity.
