Saudi Arabian FA backs Infantino's efforts to restore unity

THE SAFF BOARD’S POSITION

Following a meeting on 27 August 2026, the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) adopted an official position on the latest developments in global football. SAFF welcomed FIFA’s acknowledgement of mistakes, its apology, the withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal and the commitment to review the process.

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SUPPORT WITH STATED CONDITIONS

SAFF said that “at this time” it supports the continued efforts of Gianni Infantino and FIFA’s leadership to restore unity across the football family and keep developing the game. It also said Infantino’s contribution to growing football worldwide over almost a decade should be recognised.

The time-limited wording matters. The same statement says the continuing divisions show the need for broader, more direct dialogue and calls for concerns to be addressed openly, constructively and transparently.

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GOVERNANCE AND DIALOGUE

SAFF called for direct, face-to-face dialogue involving FIFA’s leadership, FIFA Council members, confederations and member associations. It said FIFA must deliver on commitments to improve processes, communications and interactions, strengthen governance and act in a united and transparent manner.

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CONTEXT AND LIMITS

Saudi Arabia will host the men’s FIFA World Cup in 2034. That fact is context only; InFIFAntiNo does not infer a motive for SAFF’s statement from the hosting relationship.

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WHAT THIS DOES NOT ESTABLISH

SAFF’s statement does not pledge its vote to Infantino in the 2027 FIFA presidential election, promise unconditional support, endorse every FIFA governance decision or establish a common AFC position. It records support for current efforts alongside explicit expectations on governance, transparency and dialogue.

One association’s support cannot be converted into a position for Asia or a verified majority among FIFA’s 211 member associations.

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