Saudi soccer body says it supports FIFA president Gianni Infantino ‘at this time’
One month into a FIFA crisis initiated by his failed World Cup sell-off plan, Gianni Infantino received some public support on Thursday from Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2034 World Cup. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced on social media that they currently support Infantino's efforts to unify global soccer. Infantino has a history of strong soccer and political relationships with Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and he played a significant role in bringing the 2034 World Cup to their nation.
Despite this support, Saudi soccer remained silent during the past month as the Asian Football Confederation, along with UEFA and CONCACAF, criticized Infantino for secretly negotiating with private investors to sell a 20% stake in a proposed FIFA commercial subsidiary. The SAFF expressed their appreciation for FIFA acknowledging errors, issuing an apology, and abandoning the $20 billion project.
However, they emphasized that the ongoing divisions within the sport demonstrate the need for more direct and comprehensive dialogue.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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