The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid ongoing criticism of the governing body's governance and commercial strategies. Saudi Arabia, set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, released a statement on Thursday welcoming FIFA's acknowledgment of mistakes, its apology, and the decision to scrap the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.

SAFF emphasized the importance of direct dialogue among football stakeholders to restore unity. “At this time, SAFF supports the continued efforts of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA’s leadership to restore unity across the football family and continue growing the game for the benefit of all,” the federation said.

The kingdom's support is notable given its expanding role in world football. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund partnered with FIFA for the 2025 Club World Cup and was an official supporter of the 2026 World Cup in North America and Asia, highlighting its growing ties with FIFA.

SAFF also reflected on recent World Cup editions, stating, “The past three editions of the FIFA World Cup have demonstrated what football can achieve when its global family works together.”

Infantino has faced widespread criticism since proposing to sell a 20 percent stake in a commercial entity managing FIFA tournament rights—a plan that was ultimately abandoned. Several countries withdrew support for his candidacy following the controversy.

Despite this, European football body UEFA, which had threatened to boycott the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, has withdrawn its threat after receiving assurances that Infantino’s failed sell-off plan will not be revived.

Infantino has not convened a meeting of the 37-member FIFA Council, which includes Saudi official Yasser Al Misehal, but met with most of his FIFA management team in Rabat, Morocco, three weeks ago.

Sources