FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing renewed pressure to resign following reports that he received an additional payment of around £1.3 million in 2024, on top of his regular salary.
According to a report first published by The Times, a filing submitted to the US Internal Revenue Service revealed details of the additional payment linked to FWC2026, the company established to organise and run the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA has published details of Infantino’s salary, bonuses and allowances in its annual reports since 2016. However, the reported payment was not publicly disclosed in the organisation’s annual report for 2024.
FIFA Defends Its Financial Reporting
FIFA has denied claims that it failed to disclose financial information or violated its statutes.
A spokesperson said the organisation does not pay a second salary to the president and complies with all reporting requirements relating to compensation.
The spokesperson added that Infantino’s annual compensation and other contractual benefits are determined by an independent compensation sub-committee.
FIFA also stated that its accounts are independently audited and that all financial declarations comply with tax regulations in Switzerland, the United States and other relevant jurisdictions.
FIFA Statutes Require Presidential Compensation Disclosure
Article 43, paragraph 13 of FIFA’s statutes states that the individual compensation of the FIFA president, members of the FIFA Council and the secretary general must be made public.
The reported payment has raised questions about whether the organisation’s disclosure practices fully meet this requirement.
FIFA, however, maintains that it has complied with its reporting obligations and rejects allegations of wrongdoing.
FIFA Council Meeting Expected to Draw Attention
Infantino is scheduled to meet the other 36 members of the FIFA Council in Zurich on Thursday.
The meeting comes amid criticism of his leadership, including controversy surrounding proposals to involve private equity in FIFA tournaments and World Cup-related commercial activities.
Infantino previously abandoned plans to sell World Cup profits to private equity following widespread criticism.
The latest financial disclosure controversy is expected to add to the scrutiny surrounding his presidency.
Infantino Faces Opposition Ahead of Presidential Election
Infantino’s leadership has faced criticism from several football stakeholders, with reports suggesting he has lost support among UEFA and some federations in North America and Asia.
Despite the opposition, he is reportedly confident of securing re-election in March next year, with support expected from federations in Africa and South America.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega has expressed interest in challenging Infantino. However, he is considered unlikely to secure the backing of the five member associations required to become an official candidate.
Candidates have until November 18 to declare their intention to stand.
Debate Over FIFA Presidential Term Limits
Infantino has been re-elected unopposed in both 2019 and 2023 after first becoming FIFA president in 2016.
FIFA’s rules limit presidents to three terms in office. However, Infantino is eligible to stand again because FIFA considers his initial three-year term, from 2016 to 2019, not to count towards that limit.
The interpretation has attracted criticism as Infantino prepares for another election campaign.
FIFA President Refuses to Step Down
Despite growing scrutiny over the reported payment and other controversies, Infantino has shown no intention of resigning.
The upcoming FIFA Council meeting in Zurich will provide an opportunity for members to discuss the organisation’s direction and leadership.
As questions continue over financial transparency, governance and presidential term limits, Infantino faces mounting pressure to address concerns ahead of the 2027 election.