Saudi federation backs Gianni Infantino amid post‑deal backlash
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation issued a social-media statement backing Infantino and urged face-to-face talks after the fallout over a proposed $20 billion deal.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has received an explicit show of support from the host nation of the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia, a month after a governance storm sparked by his aborted plan to sell a stake in the tournament to private investors.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) posted a statement on social media saying that "at this moment" it supports Infantino's efforts to restore global unity in football. The declaration follows weeks of public criticism from several continental bodies.
Calls for direct, face-to-face talks
SAFF also urged FIFA leaders to hold a "direct dialogue face to face… where all concerns will be openly examined." The federation welcomed what it described as FIFA's acknowledgement of mistakes and the apology, and "the decision not to proceed" with the proposed project valued at $20 billion.
Infantino has built close football and political ties with Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and played a visible role in directing the 2034 World Cup to the kingdom. The two attended a Saudi-backed video games event in Paris on Sunday.
Despite that relationship, Saudi football officials were notably quiet during the last month as the Asian Football Confederation joined UEFA and CONCACAF in criticising Infantino. Infantino did not convene a meeting of the 37-member FIFA Council, which includes Saudi official Yasser Al-Misehal, but he met with most of his management team in Rabat, Morocco, three weeks ago.
SAFF described the recent acknowledgement and apology as "important first steps" but said ongoing divisions in the game underline the need for "broader and more direct dialogue." The federation framed its statement as support for unity and for continuing the development of the sport for the benefit of all members.
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