Saudi Arabia Backs FIFA President Infantino Amid Crisis
Theo Al Jazeera English
Saudi Arabia, host of the 2034 World Cup, has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid a crisis triggered by his withdrawn proposal to sell equity in commercial rights. The SAFF praised his leadership and called for dialogue to restore unity, while Infantino faces pressure from UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF, with Italy withdrawing its support.
Saudi Arabia, host of the 2034 World Cup, has officially voiced support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he confronts a wave of fierce criticism related to the cancellation of a controversial proposal to establish a commercial entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise.
In a statement released on Thursday (August 28), the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) welcomed FIFA's acknowledgment of the mistake, its apology, and its decision to withdraw the aforementioned proposal. SAFF also called on all parties involved in world football to engage in direct dialogue to restore unity.
“At this time, SAFF supports the continued efforts of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the FIFA leadership to restore unity within the football family and to continue developing the sport for the benefit of all,” the SAFF statement said.
Saudi Arabia's backing is seen as significant, as the Gulf nation is playing an increasingly larger role in world football. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) partnered with FIFA for the 2025 Club World Cup and is an official regional sponsor in North America and Asia for this year's World Cup.
“The past three World Cups have demonstrated what football can achieve when the entire global football community unites,” the SAFF statement emphasized. “The contributions of the FIFA President over nearly a decade to develop the beautiful game worldwide should also be recognized.”
SAFF also called on FIFA leaders to organize direct dialogues where all concerns can be raised openly.
In related developments, President Infantino has not yet convened a meeting of the 37-member FIFA Council, which includes Saudi football official Yasser Al Misehal. Instead, he met with the majority of FIFA's management in Rabat, Morocco, three weeks ago.
Infantino will seek re-election for a fourth term in March next year. However, he has faced widespread criticism since proposing to sell a 20% stake in a commercial entity holding rights to exploit FIFA’s tournaments—a plan that was subsequently scrapped. Numerous countries have withdrawn their support for his re-election.
The Swiss-Italian official is under pressure to resign from three continental confederations: UEFA (Europe), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF (North, Central America, and the Caribbean). These regional bodies have discussed the possibility of a vote of no confidence in the FIFA President.
Infantino still enjoys support from African and South American football federations. He is seeking direct outreach to member associations, bypassing the confederations.
Italy recently became the latest national federation to withdraw its support for Infantino. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said the decision aims to express, “in a clear and transparent manner,” its views on the FIFA President’s recent initiatives regarding governance and the development of international tournaments.
Meanwhile, UEFA—which had threatened to pull out of the upcoming U20 Women's World Cup in Poland—said it would formally retract its threat to boycott FIFA tournaments after receiving assurances that Infantino’s failed equity plan would not be revived.
