Saudi Arabia shows support for FIFA president Infantino amid crisis
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 12:03 PM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) expressed support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino on August 27, stating it backs his efforts to restore unity in soccer. This endorsement comes as Infantino faces criticism related to a failed plan to sell a stake in a new FIFA commercial subsidiary. The SAFF remained silent while other football organizations criticized Infantino's actions, which were described as deceptive. The federation welcomed FIFA's acknowledgment of recent mistakes and emphasized the need for open dialogue among FIFA leaders. Infantino's ties with Saudi Arabia have strengthened during his presidency, with the country hosting the 2034 World Cup.
- •Saudi Arabia supports Gianni Infantino's leadership efforts.
- •Criticism over Infantino's failed World Cup sell-off plan persists.
- •SAFF urges FIFA for direct dialogue to address concerns.
- •FIFA acknowledged mistakes in a recent public statement.
- •Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup.
- 12:03 PMYahoo Sports — World Cup 2034 hosts Saudi Arabia back Infantino - but with provisos
- 11:53 AMYahoo Sports — Saudi soccer body says it supports FIFA president Gianni Infantino 'at this time'
"One month into a crisis for FIFA provoked by his failed World Cup sell-off plan, Gianni Infantino finally got some public backing from a key nation Thursday — 2034 World Cup host Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) posted a statement on social media saying that “at this time” it supports Infantino’s efforts to restore global unity in soccer. Infantino has built close soccer and political ties to Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his 10-year presidency, and helped steer the 2034 World Cup toward the kingdom.
"The 2034 men's World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia have pledged support for under-pressure FIFA president Gianni Infantino, but acknowledged global football is at a crossroads. "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," a statement from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said on Thursday.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 27, 2026, 12:03 PMWorld Cup 2034 hosts Saudi Arabia back Infantino - but with provisos
The 2034 men's World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia have pledged support for under-pressure FIFA president Gianni Infantino, but acknowledged global football is at a crossroads. "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," a statement from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said on Thursday.
- Yahoo SportsAug 27, 2026, 11:53 AMSaudi soccer body says it supports FIFA president Gianni Infantino 'at this time'
One month into a crisis for FIFA provoked by his failed World Cup sell-off plan, Gianni Infantino finally got some public backing from a key nation Thursday — 2034 World Cup host Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) posted a statement on social media saying that “at this time” it supports Infantino’s efforts to restore global unity in soccer. Infantino has built close soccer and political ties to Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his 10-year presidency, and helped steer the 2034 World Cup toward the kingdom.
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