World Cup Infrastructure: Delivering Global Ambition
Riyadh: Feb. 3 2026
The highly anticipated Riyadh International Disputes Week 2026 featured a thought-provoking panel discussion focused on the evolving landscape of disputes surrounding upcoming FIFA World Cups, with particular emphasis on the 2026, 2030, and, of course, the 2034 tournament set to take place in Saudi Arabia. Chaired by Jonny Gray of the Ankura sports team, the session brought together leading experts to explore both historical issues and emerging trends in sports disputes, as well as the legal and practical frameworks being put in place to address them.
Opening the session, Jonny framed the conversation around the unprecedented scale and ambition of the next three FIFA World Cups, highlighting the global attention these events attract, and the importance of robust dispute resolution mechanisms given the complexity and scale of the tournaments.
Nick De Marco KC from Blackstone Chambers provided a comprehensive overview of the types of disputes that have historically surrounded FIFA World Cups. He explained that construction-related controversies — ranging from labor strikes and infrastructure delays to human rights criticisms — have been a recurring theme, affecting almost every modern tournament. These disputes, he noted, often extend beyond commercial interests, touching on sensitive political and reputational issues as well. Nick went on to discuss frequent conflicts involving sponsorship, marketing, ticketing, hospitality, and anti-trust matters, as well as sporting disputes governed by the “field of play” doctrine. He concluded by highlighting how heightened financial stakes are fueling new types of legal claims, including those for damages, even in cases where match outcomes remain unchanged.
Amani Khalifa of Freshfields offered valuable insights into recent legislative developments, specifically the key changes introduced in Saudi Arabia’s Sports Law set to come into force in June. Amani described the role and governance structure of the newly established Saudi Sports Arbitration Center, sharing examples of recent cases it has handled. She also discussed how the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) and the Saudi courts are expected to play pivotal roles in resolving disputes across the rapidly growing sports sector.
Ben Hughes of Ankura shifted the discussion towards dispute avoidance, emphasizing proactive strategies for large-scale events and infrastructure projects. He advocated for the establishment of Integration Management Offices and the adoption of collaborative contract forms, which require a cultural shift from adversarial to cooperative behaviors. Ben stressed the importance of equitable risk allocation and robust project governance, noting that clearly documented governance structures enable swift and decisive decision-making, thereby reducing ambiguity and the risk of delayed approvals.
Alfie Burr, representing the Howden Insurance Brokers construction team, underscored the critical importance of early and precise insurance coverage for stadium projects. Given the immovable deadlines and high public exposure of World Cup venues, Alfie explained that inadequate insurance arrangements from the project’s outset can lead to significant disputes, particularly over underinsurance, insufficient delay coverage, and overlooked policy exclusions. He highlighted that shared contractors or suppliers across multiple stadiums can amplify risks, making comprehensive, owner-controlled insurance programs and proactive claims management essential to mitigating exposure. Alfie noted that the most significant threats are not dramatic accidents, but predictable delays and design defects, which can have substantial financial and reputational repercussions if stadiums fail to open on time.
The session concluded with a lively question and answer (Q&A), giving the audience an opportunity to explore these themes further and reflect on the practical realities of preparing for a decade of landmark events. Taken together, the panelists’ perspectives painted a clear picture of the opportunities and challenges ahead.
As this panel discussion demonstrated, the road to delivering the next decade of FIFA World Cups is paved with both immense opportunity and equally significant complexity. The panel’s insights made clear that success will depend not only on resolving disputes effectively, but on anticipating them through stronger governance, smarter legislative frameworks, equitable risk allocation, and proactive project and insurance planning. With Saudi Arabia preparing to host 2034’s landmark tournament, the sports industry stands at a pivotal moment — one in which collaboration, clarity, and early intervention will shape their success. The discussion underscored a unifying message: With the right structures and culture, disputes can be managed, mitigated, and even transformed into catalysts for more resilient and ambitious delivery.
© Copyright 2026. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not necessarily the views of Ankura Consulting Group, LLC., its management, its subsidiaries, its affiliates, or its other professionals. Ankura is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.
