Saudi Arabia, hosts of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, has thrown its backing behind embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he navigates growing governance friction following the collapse of a controversial commercial proposal, according to Reuters and Associated Press reports. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation released a statement welcoming FIFA`s decision to scrap the initiative while calling for direct dialogue among stakeholders to restore unity.
The endorsement provides a notable boost for Infantino, whose leadership has faced intense scrutiny from several regional confederations and national associations after a failed plan to sell commercial stakes in tournament rights. The Saudi federation credited Infantino for his contributions to expanding the global game over the past decade, emphasizing the importance of cooperation across international football administration.
While bodies such as European football governing body UEFA and the Italian Football Federation have expressed strong reservations or withdrawn support ahead of the upcoming presidential election in March, Infantino continues to retain solid backing from several key regions. The intervention by 2034 hosts Saudi Arabia highlights the shifting alliances within global football governance as administrative debates persist.
