Unlocking the potential of sports to drive economic and social development the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and FIFA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to allocate up to USD 1 billion in concessional loans for the construction and rehabilitation of sports stadiums and essential surrounding infrastructure in developing countries around the world.
‘inside.fifa.com’ stated that the agreement underscores a shared commitment to support developing nations in strengthening their sports ecosystems as part of broader efforts to advance social and economic development. The program will prioritize the developing nations and their respective FIFA Member Associations (MAs) helping them invest in facilities that drive growth, create opportunity and inspire participation at every level.
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) is a Saudi Arabian Government agency established in 1974 to provide development assistance to developing countries through soft loans, grants and programs focusing on infrastructure, social services and economic growth aligning with the global development goals.
‘inside.fifa.com’ further stated that this commitment is backed by compelling evidence of sport’s economic impact as independent reports estimate that the global sports economy contributes nearly two percent of world gross domestic product underscoring its growing role as a driver of employment, tourism and community development. With 211 MAs worldwide the gap between nations with world-class facilities and those without remains wide.
This partnership seeks to support national governments in designing, financing and building modern multisport venues that meet international standards and serve as hubs for community life, education and inclusion. The new facilities will create jobs, stimulate local businesses and strengthen social cohesion by giving the young people safe and modern spaces to convene, train and compete.
Through these concessional loans the SFD and FIFA will actively collaborate with the national authorities to deliver projects that contribute to long-term economic resilience and local capacity-building. The initiative will also act as seed financing to attract other development institutions, private-sector partners and regional organizations creating a scalable model for sustainable sports development across emerging economies.
Stated Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, head honcho, SFD, “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 the potential, empower the young people and strengthen communities for generations to come.”
Added Gianni Infantino, President, FIFA, “FIFA’s role is to develop football worldwide and many of our FIFA Member Associations need additional support for the infrastructure necessary to host competitions. 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.”
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 the community ties. Building on over five decades of impact – supporting more than 800 development projects worth over USD 22 billion across 100 countries – the SFD continues to drive sustainable growth through development financing and projects that improve lives and foster lasting prosperity.
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