SFD, Fifa plans to boost sports infrastructure in developing nations: The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) partnered with Fifa to provide up to USD 1 bn in concessional loans for the construction and rehabilitation of sports stadiums and infrastructure in developing countries, according to a press release.

The details: The initiative aims to support national governments in designing, financing, and building modern multi-sport venues, giving priority to developing nations and their respective Fifa Member Associations. It will also act as seed financing to attract other development institutions, private-sector partners, and regional organizations, Fifa said.

DATA POINT- The SFD funneled over SAR 3.7 bn into 17 development loan agreements with 13 countries during FY 2024. The financing included SAR 337.5 mn for two loans in Africa, over SAR 1.1 bn for five loans in Asia and the Pacific, SAR 821.8 mn for four loans in Europe, and SAR 1.4 bn for six loans in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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