World Cup 2034 hosts Saudi Arabia back Infantino amid FIFA crisis

Saudi football federation says it supports Infantino’s ​’efforts’ as he garners support to remain in power as president. Saudi Arabia, hosts of the World Cup 2034, have thrown their ⁠⁠support behind ⁠⁠embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he continues to face criticism over the collapse of the governing body’s controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise ⁠⁠proposal. In a statement released on Thursday, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) welcomed FIFA’s acknowledgement of mistakes, its apology and the decision to scrap the proposal, while calling for direct dialogue ⁠⁠among football’s stakeholders to restore unity. “At this time, SAFF supports the continued efforts of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA’s leadership to restore unity across the football family and continue growing the game for the benefit of all,” the federation said. Saudi Arabia’s backing is significant given its expanding role in world football. The FIFA president is up for re-election for a fourth term next March.

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