Saudi backs Infantino as the Saudi Arabian Football Federation publicly supported the FIFA president on Thursday despite growing criticism over the governing body’s abandoned commercial restructuring proposal.
SAFF welcomed FIFA’s acknowledgement of mistakes, its apology and its decision to scrap the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, while calling for direct dialogue among football stakeholders.
The federation said it supported Gianni Infantino’s efforts to restore unity within world football and credited his leadership with helping expand the game globally.
Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup and has strengthened its relationship with FIFA in recent years. The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund partnered with FIFA on the 2025 Club World Cup and supported this year’s World Cup in North America and Asia.
Read: FIFA COO Kevin Lamour Exits After Criticising Infantino Plan
Infantino has faced criticism over the now-abandoned proposal to sell a 20% stake in a commercial entity controlling FIFA tournament rights.
The source said several countries have withdrawn support for his expected 2027 re-election bid, while UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf have discussed mounting pressure against his leadership.
Infantino is expected to seek another term in March 2027 and continues to retain support from African and South American football bodies.
