A major push to use sport as a tool for economic and social progress is taking shape after the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and FIFA signed a landmark agreement committing up to USD 1 billion in concessional loans for stadium construction and upgrades in developing countries.
Signed on 24 November 2025, the deal targets FIFA Member Associations in nations with clear strategies to use sport for national development.
The funding will help build and improve FIFA-certified stadiums and key surrounding infrastructure, strengthening local sports ecosystems and bringing wider community benefits.
At the core of the partnership is a simple belief: sport can drive development. While the global sports economy now accounts for nearly 2% of world GDP, many of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations still lack modern facilities needed to grow the game and support community programmes.
The new initiative aims to bridge that gap. By financing multi-purpose venues that meet international standards, SFD and FIFA hope to create lively community spaces that encourage youth participation, promote inclusion, and support local economies.
The projects are expected to create jobs, boost small businesses, and provide safe, modern environments for young people to train and compete.
SFD CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad said the partnership reflects a broader mission. “Sport is more than competition, it’s a catalyst for development and inclusion.
Through concessional financing, we’re helping countries build the infrastructure they need to unlock potential, empower young people, and strengthen communities.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed the agreement, stressing the need for better facilities across world football.
“Many of our Member Associations need support to host competitions. This deal is a crucial step in giving them the infrastructure to make football truly global.”
Beyond immediate impacts, the concessional loans are designed to attract more partners from development agencies to private investors, creating a scalable model for long-term sports development.
For SFD, the initiative continues more than five decades of work supporting over 800 projects worth USD 22 billion across 100 countries.
By pooling resources and expertise, SFD and FIFA aim not just to build stadiums, but to strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and ensure sport remains a driver of sustainable development worldwide.
