Riyadh – His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held a high-level meeting in Riyadh with Gianni Infantino, President of the Fédération of International Football Association (FIFA), to explore avenues for advancing sports collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the global football governing body.
The meeting focused on strengthening the Kingdom’s role in international sports, expanding opportunities for football development, and exploring initiatives to support talent nurturing, infrastructure development, and global competitions in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Key Attendees:
The discussions were attended by senior Saudi officials, including:
- Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sport
- Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi, Minister of Commerce
- Yasser Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund
- Abdulaziz Tarabzoni, Advisor at the Royal Court
- Yasser Al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation
The meeting highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for sports, particularly football, and fostering partnerships that promote sustainable development in sports at both national and international levels.
Discussions also covered potential joint programs between Saudi authorities and FIFA, including youth development initiatives, training programs for players and coaches, and hosting international football events, which would contribute to enhancing the Kingdom’s sports infrastructure and international reputation.
President Infantino praised the Kingdom’s ambitious sports vision and expressed FIFA’s readiness to cooperate closely with Saudi authorities to advance football at all levels, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving long-term growth for the sport.
The meeting reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to integrating sports into broader economic and social development plans, underlining the role of football as a catalyst for investment, tourism, and global cultural engagement.
Looking Ahead:
Officials indicated that further discussions and detailed cooperation agreements are expected in the coming months, aimed at solidifying the Kingdom’s position in the global sports arena and ensuring that Saudi youth and athletes benefit from world-class football opportunities.