Saudi Arabia backs Gianni Infantino following collapse of $20 billion FIFA investment plan

Saudi federation backs Infantino

On 27 August 2026, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) issued an official statement backing FIFA President Gianni Infantino following weeks of discord over a collapsed commercial investment plan. Saudi Arabia, which is scheduled to host the 2034 men's World Cup, declared its alignment with Infantino's efforts to mend relations across international soccer institutions. In its public statement, SAFF commended FIFA's formal acknowledgement of administrative mistakes, its apology, and the official abandonment of the controversial commercial venture. The Saudi federation also emphasized that the governing body must prioritize direct, face-to-face dialogue to resolve ongoing disputes among continental bodies. SAFF had remained publicly silent during the initial month of the dispute before releasing its position.

At this time, SAFF supports the continued efforts of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA's leadership to restore unity across the football family and continue growing the game for the benefit of all.

Collapse of the Forward Enterprise project

The leadership crisis emerged one month ago after FIFA withdrew its proposal for FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial vehicle designed to sell a 20% minority stake in future World Cup revenues to private investors for $20 billion. Continental governing bodies mounted unified opposition to the plan, with Europe's UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and North America's CONCACAF voicing strong resistance. Opposing confederations accused Infantino of opaque governance, deception, and a breach of trust for conducting private investor negotiations without prior consultation. In response to mounting backlash, Infantino scrapped the investment structure, but European leaders maintained that the episode compromised institutional trust across the global game.

These were important first steps. However, the continuing divisions within the game demonstrates the need for broader and more direct dialogue.

Bilateral relations and council meetings

Infantino maintains deep institutional and political ties with Saudi Arabia, having overseen the process that awarded the 2034 World Cup to the kingdom during his 10-year presidency following earlier adjustments to the 2030 tournament hosting model. On 23 August 2026, Infantino attended a Saudi-backed video gaming event in Paris alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Instead of convening the full 37-member FIFA Council, which includes Saudi soccer official Yasser Al Misehal, Infantino met with executive management in Rabat, Morocco, three weeks ago to address internal concerns. The Saudi kingdom holds significant influence within the Asian confederation and has expanded its domestic league through state investments, signing international players including Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Electoral landscape ahead of 2027

The division among regional confederations comes as administrators look toward the next FIFA presidential election set for March 2027. Several European federations have withdrawn their backing for Infantino, and UEFA delegates gathered in Monaco on 27 August 2026 to discuss governance concerns. Despite European resistance, Infantino retains support from key regional voting blocs, including the Confederation of African Football and SAFF. The Saudi federation noted that Infantino's organizational record over the past decade deserves recognition, and the Swiss-Italian administrator currently remains the only declared candidate running for the presidency.