World Cup 2034 hosts Saudi Arabia back Infantino amid FIFA crisis | Football News
Saudi Football Federation Backs Infantino Amid Criticism
By Reuters and The Associated Press
Published Aug. 27, 2026
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has expressed support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he faces scrutiny over the collapse of the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. As the host nation for the upcoming World Cup in 2034, Saudi Arabia’s backing is viewed as a significant endorsement of Infantino’s efforts to retain the presidency.
In a statement released on Thursday, the SAFF welcomed FIFA’s acknowledgment of errors, along with its apology and the decision to discontinue the disputed proposal. The federation emphasized the importance of open dialogue among football stakeholders to foster unity in the sport.
“SAFF supports the continued efforts of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA’s leadership to restore unity across the football family and further promote the game for the benefit of all,” the federation stated.
The support from Saudi Arabia underscores the kingdom’s growing influence in international football. The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has partnered with FIFA for the 2025 Club World Cup and recently served as an official supporter of the current World Cup in North America and Asia, indicative of its deepening relationship with the global governing body.
“The past three editions of the FIFA World Cup have demonstrated what football can achieve when its global family works together,” the SAFF added, asserting that Infantino’s contributions to the development of the game over nearly a decade should not go unrecognized.
The SAFF called for direct, face-to-face dialogue with FIFA leadership to address concerns openly.
Nevertheless, Infantino has not convened a meeting of his 37-member FIFA Council, which includes Saudi representative Yasser Al Misehal. Instead, he met with most of his management team in Rabat, Morocco, three weeks ago.
Infantino, who is gearing up for re-election for a fourth term next March, has faced backlash following a now-abandoned proposal involving the sale of a 20 percent stake in a commercial entity linked to FIFA tournament rights. This has resulted in several national federations retracting their support for his candidacy.
Under pressure from three confederations—UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF—Infantino’s position has become precarious, with discussions of a potential vote of no confidence among the regional bodies.
Despite these challenges, Infantino retains support from the African and South American confederations and has sought to engage directly with individual member associations.
Italy recently became the latest national federation to withdraw its endorsement of Infantino, citing concerns over his governance and development initiatives for international competitions.
In contrast, UEFA, which had previously threatened to boycott the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next month, has indicated it will formally withdraw its threat after receiving assurances that Infantino’s controversial proposal will not be revived.
