A transformative new chapter in global sports development has begun as the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and FIFA have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to finance world-class sports infrastructure across developing nations. The agreement, which unlocks up to USD 1 billion in concessional loans, aims to support countries with clear strategies to harness sport as a driver of national development, economic growth, and social inclusion.
Under the MoU, the SFD will provide concessional loans to eligible FIFA Member Associations (MAs) and their respective governments for the construction, renovation, and enhancement of FIFA-certified stadiums, as well as essential surrounding infrastructure. This initiative seeks to address one of the most pressing gaps in global football development—the disparity between nations with advanced, modern sporting facilities and those with limited or outdated infrastructure.
With 211 FIFA Member Associations worldwide, the contrast in facility quality remains a major obstacle for many developing nations. Countries with limited infrastructure often struggle to host international competitions, nurture youth talent, or build sustainable sports economies. The new partnership between SFD and FIFA aims to bridge that divide by supporting national governments in developing modern, multi-purpose sports venues that meet global standards while serving as hubs for education, social interaction, and community empowerment.
Sport as a Catalyst for Socio-Economic Transformation
The signing of the MoU highlights a shared SFD-FIFA vision: using sport—particularly football—as a tool for broader societal transformation. Independent global economic reports estimate that the sports economy accounts for nearly 2 percent of world GDP, underscoring its powerful role in employment creation, tourism development, and community revitalisation. This initiative thus aligns sport with sustainable development goals, demonstrating its capacity to stimulate long-term economic resilience.
These concessional loans will not only support stadium development but will also act as seed financing to attract private investment, development institutions, and regional bodies. By creating a scalable financing model, the partnership aims to empower developing nations to design and sustain large-scale sports infrastructure projects that can yield benefits for decades.
Prioritising Developing Countries and Youth Empowerment
A central focus of the programme is youth empowerment. Modern sports facilities play a crucial role in creating safe, accessible spaces where young people can train, learn, and build community. Beyond sports performance, these venues often serve as platforms for mentorship, leadership development, and social cohesion.
By investing in high-quality, multipurpose stadiums and complexes, the initiative aims to open doors for millions of young people, giving them the tools, inspiration, and environment they need to grow both athletically and personally. The new infrastructure is also expected to create thousands of jobs, stimulate local small businesses, and strengthen surrounding communities.
Leadership Statements Reinforce Global Vision
Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, emphasised the deeper purpose behind the initiative.
“Sport is more than competition—it’s a catalyst for development and inclusion,” he said. “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.”
His remarks reflect the SFD’s longstanding development philosophy: investing in infrastructure that uplifts communities and supports sustainable national growth.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino echoed similar sentiments, stressing the strategic importance of infrastructure in advancing FIFA’s mission.
“FIFA’s role is to develop football worldwide, and many of our Member Associations need additional support for the infrastructure necessary to host competitions,” Infantino noted.
“Through this agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development, up to USD 1 billion will be made available to finance the construction and enhancement of FIFA-certified stadiums. This is a crucial step toward making football truly global.”
Infantino’s remarks also underscore FIFA’s commitment to supporting its member federations in overcoming structural and financial barriers to development.
A New Era for Sports Development
This partnership represents a significant expansion in the SFD’s development strategy. While the Fund has supported more than 800 development projects worth over USD 22 billion across 100 countries over the past five decades, the MoU elevates sports infrastructure as a core pillar of its global development agenda.
Sport is increasingly recognised not only as a cultural force but also as a powerful tool for national development. Investing in stadiums, training centres, and related facilities generates economic momentum, encourages tourism, strengthens international recognition, and promotes healthy living. Importantly, sports facilities often become community hubs—places where people gather, celebrate, learn, and grow together.
With this initiative, SFD and FIFA are charting a path toward equitable global sports development—empowering countries with fewer resources to build modern infrastructure that can compete with the rest of the world. By equipping developing nations with high-quality facilities, the partnership seeks to level the playing field and expand opportunities for international hosting, talent development, and economic participation.
Long-Term Impact and Future Global Influence
The impact of the up to USD 1 billion funding commitment is expected to stretch far beyond the football pitch. New and rehabilitated stadiums often lead to the growth of local enterprises, enhanced transport networks, increased community engagement, and improved urban development. In many countries, stadiums also serve as venues for national celebrations, cultural festivals, and educational programmes, making them integral to social life.
By linking sustainable financing with long-term capacity building, the SFD-FIFA model could inspire similar cross-sector collaborations around the world. As developing nations gain access to world-class facilities, their ability to compete, host, and participate in global events will expand—strengthening their sporting identity and global influence.
In the coming months, SFD and FIFA will work closely with national governments and football federations to identify eligible projects, prepare financing structures, and begin preliminary implementation stages. The partnership marks a monumental step toward creating a more inclusive, equitable, and globally connected sports ecosystem.
With this MoU, the message is clear: sport is development, and infrastructure is opportunity. The SFD-FIFA partnership is now poised to reshape the future of sports infrastructure across the developing world.
FOLLOW AFRICA LIVE NEWS
📌 Facebook: https://facebook.com/africalivenews
📌 Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/africalivenews2
📌 Instagram: https://instagram.com/africalivenews
📌 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@africalivenews
