Saudi and French sports ministries sign agreement to boost cooperation

Saudi Arabia and France have officially entered into a memorandum of understanding to bolster their collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the realm of sports. Yesterday, the two nations signed the agreement between the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Community Life in Saudi Arabia and the French Ministry of Sports, Youth and Community Life.

The signing ceremony took place in Paris during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Esports World Cup, with Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal representing Saudi Arabia and Marina Ferrari speaking for France.

The memorandum lays out a framework for various forms of cooperation. This includes sharing programs and expertise between relevant institutions, supporting the development of sports professionals, and increasing participation in international conferences and sporting events. The agreement also covers cooperation in coaching, expertise, research, and education in elite sports, video games, grassroots sports, sports science, medicine, and law.

This includes collaboration between sports organizations, exchanges of technical and administrative personnel, joint visits by national teams, and support for conferences, seminars, and scientific research. Cooperation extends to anti-doping efforts, sports for all, sports for people with disabilities, applied sports science and technology, organizing and hosting sports events, sports infrastructure, sports tourism, and esports.

The agreement also allows for information sharing, joint projects in sports policy within international organizations, and increased collaboration between economic stakeholders in the sports and esports sectors. The memorandum is a reflection of the deep relationship between Saudi Arabia and France, and their commitment to enhancing sports cooperation, exchanging expertise, and expanding joint opportunities.