World Cup 2034 hosts Saudi Arabia back Infantino amid FIFA crisis

What the report says

Saudi Arabia’s football federation has publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino as he faces rising criticism over his leadership and a shelved commercial proposal tied to FIFA tournament rights. In a statement reported by Al Jazeera on 27 August 2026, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said it welcomed FIFA’s apology, its acknowledgement of mistakes, and the decision to drop the plan. It also urged open, face-to-face talks among football stakeholders to help restore unity.

The Saudi statement is notable because the kingdom is set to host the 2034 World Cup and has been expanding its involvement in global football through partnerships and sponsorship roles. Al Jazeera reported that Saudi Arabia’s support adds weight to Infantino at a time when several other football authorities have distanced themselves from him.

Infantino is seeking re-election next March for a fourth term, but the report says he is under pressure after the collapse of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which had drawn widespread criticism. According to the article, some national and regional bodies have withdrawn support or discussed a possible no-confidence move, while others, including African and South American confederations, still back him. UEFA said it would withdraw a boycott threat after receiving assurances the abandoned plan would not return. The developments underscore the political strain inside FIFA and the importance of Saudi Arabia’s stance in that wider power struggle.