FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia and his close relationship with United States president Donald Trump.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has defended himself from suggestions he is jeopardising the sport’s traditional independence from politics by getting too close to U.S. President Donald Trump in the build-up to this summer’s Club World Cup and next year’s World Cup.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Friday stood by his governing body's decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, while also defending his relationship with Donald Trump. Infantino also faced questions on Friday about his relationship with United States President Trump and his family.

Ramzan crescent has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia but India, Pakistan Sri Lanka, Philippines to begin fasting from March 02. Catch all the latest updates here!

Ramadan 2025 is expected to start on March 1, contingent upon the moon sighting on February 28. Muslim communities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India, and Pakistan will determine the start based on the crescent moon's visibility.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia led MENA M&A activity to more than $92bn last year, according to the latest EY MENA M&A Insights 2024 report. The MENA region recorded a 3 per cent rise in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity with 701 deals in 2024, compared to 679 deals in 2023.