كرة القدم: الرياضة الأكثر شعبية عالمياً، مع 5 مليارات متابعين، وتعتبر فرصة استثمارية ثقافية واقتصادية مثالية.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Celebrates Saudi Arabia’s Growing Footprint in Football

Gianni Infantino, the President of the International Football Federation (FIFA), expressed his delight at being in Saudi Arabia, a nation currently shining in the football arena. He commended the Kingdom for its significant strides in investing in the sport, reiterating his congratulations on winning the bid to host the 2034 World Cup. Infantino praised the country’s successful organization of various global tournaments, both at the club and national team levels, and underscored its commitment to continuing this trajectory.

During his address at the Saudi-American Investment Forum held in Riyadh, Infantino emphasized the upcoming football event this summer that will showcase the world’s best teams. The FIFA Club World Cup, set to commence on June 14 in the United States, will feature Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, representing Asia, which is set to face Spain’s Real Madrid in its group stage. Additionally, he pointed to the men’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and emphasized that Saudi Arabia will have the honor of hosting the World Cup in 2034.

Infantino highlighted the transformative role of the World Cup, noting its far-reaching economic, cultural, and social impacts—not only within the host nations but globally. Describing football as the world’s most popular sport, he pointed out that an estimated five billion fans, spanning various languages, ethnicities, and social classes, are united by their passion for the game.

He further elaborated on the financial implications of these sporting events, revealing that the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is projected to generate nearly $120 billion and create over a million jobs. The current annual contribution of football to global GDP stands at an impressive $270 billion.

Infantino also turned his attention towards women’s football, underscoring its growing importance in the sport’s ecosystem. He announced that the Women’s World Cup will be held in Brazil in 2027, followed by another tournament in North America in 2031. He commended Saudi Arabia for its remarkable efforts in establishing a women’s football league and national team, emphasizing the potential for growth and development within women’s sports in the Kingdom.

In conclusion, Infantino’s remarks reflect the shifting dynamics in global football, particularly the increasing role of nations like Saudi Arabia in hosting major events. His celebration of the Kingdom’s achievements and ongoing commitment to expanding football’s reach—especially through women’s leagues—highlights a promising future for the sport and showcases Saudi Arabia’s determination to become a pivotal player on the world stage. With aspirations set high, the Kingdom stands poised to make significant contributions to the footballing world, confirming its status as a burgeoning hub for international sporting events.