In early 2021, as much of the world was living under pandemic lockdown restrictions, Fifa president Gianni Infantino touched down in Saudi Arabia for a two-day visit. While there, he appeared in a promotional video for the government filmed at the ruins of Diriyah, the ancestral home of the country’s ruling family, where he joined a traditional sword dance and spoke of his newfound love of Saudi cuisine.
“What has been created here is amazing?.?.?.?This is something the world should come and see,” he said. “Saudi football and Saudi sport in general are in excellent hands. Together we are co-operating to bring it to [an even] higher level as an example not only for the region or for Asia, but for the entire world.”
The blossoming relationship between football’s governing body and the Saudi state, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reached a new high this week as the kingdom was handed the hosting rights to the men’s World Cup in 2034 after running unopposed.