Embattled Fifa president Gianni Infantino has received a major boost after Saudi Arabia, host of the 2034 World Cup and a long-standing ally, backed his bid to remain in power.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) had remained notably silent after Infantino’s position was thrown into crisis by revelations that he had been planning to partly privatise the World Cup, prompting a widespread backlash and calls for him to step down across Europe, Asia and America.

Following a meeting today, SAFF issued a statement saying it welcomed Fifa’s pledge to abandon the World Cup sell-off and still had faith in Infantino to lead football’s governing body.

“The past three editions of the Fifa World Cup have demonstrated what football can achieve when its global family works together,” it said.

“The Fifa president’s contribution to growing the game worldwide over almost a decade should also be recognised. 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.”

Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 World Cup after facing no rival bids in a process that concluded in late 2024.

Its Public Investment Fund was a sponsor of this year’s World Cup, while Aramco, the country’s biggest company, has a long-term partnership with Fifa reported to be worth $400m.

Infantino is also said to have a close relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and has appeared at events in Riyadh to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy.

Saudi Arabia’s position on his future as Fifa president had been uncertain, however, after it declined to comment during weeks of intense politicking. For Fifa, the backing matters because Saudi Arabia is not just a host nation for a future tournament but also a growing commercial and political force in the sport, with its public and private football ties increasingly visible at major events.

Saudi stance could weaken Uefa, AFC, Concacaf coalition

An alliance between Uefa, AFC and Concacaf had appeared to give Infantino’s critics the upper hand, but SAFF’s decision to break ranks with AFC could prove influential. Qatar and Mexico have also defied their confederations to back him, while he retains broad support in Africa and South America.

The move comes as Uefa is expected to call off its boycott of Fifa events after receiving assurances that Infantino will not seek to revive the World Cup sell-off proposal.

“SAFF welcomes the acknowledgement of mistakes, the apology, the decision not to proceed with the Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal and the commitment to review the process, as set out in the recent joint open letter from the Fifa president and secretary general. These were important first steps,” it added.

“The letter also committed Fifa to learning from the experience, improving its processes, communications and interactions, strengthening governance and addressing the challenges ahead in a united and transparent manner. Delivering on these commitments will be essential to restoring confidence. However, the continuing divisions within the game demonstrate the need for broader and more direct dialogue.

“Football can only move forward through unity. SAFF therefore encourages direct, face-to-face dialogue among Fifa’s leadership, Fifa Council members, confederations and member associations, with all concerns addressed openly, constructively and transparently. The focus must remain on the good of the game, its players and its fans.

“As a member association of the Asian Football Confederation, SAFF will continue to work with the AFC, with full consideration and respect for the role of its President and stands ready to support constructive engagement wherever helpful.”