World Cup 2034 hosts Saudi Arabia back Infantino amid FIFA crisis

Saudi football federation says it supports Infantino’s ​’efforts’ as he garners support to remain in power as president.By Reuters and The Associated PressPublished On 27 Aug 202627 Aug 2026Saudi Arabia, hosts of the World Cup 2034, have thrown their ⁠⁠support behind ⁠⁠embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he continues to face criticism over the collapse of the governing body’s controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise ⁠⁠proposal.In a statement released on Thursday, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) welcomed FIFA’s acknowledgement of mistakes, its apology and the decision to scrap the proposal, while calling for direct dialogue ⁠⁠among football’s stakeholders to restore unity.“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 backing is significant given its expanding role in world football.The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund partnered with FIFA for the 2025 Club World Cup and was also an official supporter in North America and Asia of this year’s World Cup, underscoring the king...