The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) said on Thursday that it supported Infantino and FIFA’s leadership following the collapse of a controversial proposal involving FIFA Forward Enterprise, Al Jazeera reported.
The federation welcomed FIFA’s acknowledgement of mistakes, its apology and the decision to abandon the proposal, while calling for direct talks between football stakeholders to rebuild unity.
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“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.
Saudi Arabia’s support could be significant as the kingdom’s influence in global football has expanded rapidly in recent years.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund partnered with FIFA for the 2025 Club World Cup, while the country was also an official supporter in North America and Asia of the 2026 World Cup.
SAFF also praised Infantino’s contribution to global football during his nearly decade-long tenure.
“The past three editions of the FIFA World Cup have demonstrated what football can achieve when its global family works together,” the federation said.
The Saudi federation urged FIFA leaders to engage in “direct face-to-face dialogue” and address concerns openly.
The endorsement comes as Infantino faces increasing opposition ahead of FIFA’s presidential election next March, when he is seeking a fourth term.
The Swiss-Italian administrator has come under intense scrutiny over a proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in a commercial entity holding FIFA tournament rights. The plan was abandoned after several national federations withdrew their support for his candidacy.
Infantino is also facing pressure from three major confederations — UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF — whose leaders have discussed the possibility of a no-confidence vote.
Infantino continues to retain support from the African and South American confederations and has increasingly sought to engage directly with individual FIFA member associations.
Italy became the latest national federation to withdraw its support for Infantino, citing concerns over initiatives related to the governance and development of international competitions.
Meanwhile, European football’s governing body UEFA has dropped a threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving assurances that the abandoned proposal to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial rights business will not be revived.
Infantino has not yet convened FIFA’s 37-member council, which includes Saudi football official Yasser Al Misehal. Instead, he held talks with most of his FIFA management team in Rabat, Morocco, earlier this month.
With the 2034 World Cup set to take place in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom’s public endorsement gives Infantino an important show of support as the FIFA president attempts to contain the crisis and secure another term in office.
