FIFA: up to $1bn in concessional loans for stadium construction from the Saudi Fund for Development

FIFA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Fund for Development (SDF) for the allocation of up to $1bn (€870m) in the form of "concessional loans for the construction and rehabilitation of sports stadiums and essential surrounding infrastructure in developing countries around the world," announced the international federation on 24/11/2025.

The aim of the programme is to enable member associations in the countries concerned to "invest in facilities that drive growth, create opportunity, and inspire participation at every level," said FIFA, which intends to "promote social inclusion, youth empowerment, and economic opportunity through football."

"This commitment is backed by compelling evidence of sport's economic impact as independent reports estimate that the global sports economy contributes nearly 2 percent of world gross domestic product, underscoring its growing role as a driver of employment, tourism, and community development. With 211 member associations worldwide, the gap between nations with world-class facilities and those without remains wide," added the…