A fresh controversy has surrounded FIFA president Gianni Infantino after reports revealed that he received an extra $1.72 million in 2024. The payment was not included in FIFA’s annual financial report for that year.
ESPN reported on Tuesday that Infantino received the money from FWC2026, the US organisation responsible for managing the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The report used documents from FIFA and the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to reveal the payment.
Infantino received the money in addition to his regular FIFA salary and benefits, which amounted to around $4.9 million in 2024. The report has raised questions about FIFA’s financial transparency and whether the organisation followed its own rules.
FIFA’s statutes clearly state that “The individual compensation of the FIFA President, the members of the Council and the FIFA Secretary General shall be made public.”
However, FIFA has denied breaking any rules. A FIFA spokesperson said the organisation “strongly rejects any suggestion there has been a violation” of its statutes.
“FIFA does not pay a second salary to the FIFA President and complies with all reporting requirements in relation to compensation,” FIFA said in a statement.
“The FIFA President’s annual compensation, as well as other contractual benefits, are decided by the independent Compensation Sub-Committee.”
FIFA also defended its financial records and said independent auditors review its accounts.
“FIFA strongly rejects any claims that it has failed to disclose any financial information and has violated FIFA’s Statutes. FIFA accounts are independently audited, and all declarations are in line with tax regulations in Switzerland, the United States and elsewhere,” the statement added.
Infantino, 56, has served as FIFA president since 2016. He has faced criticism over several decisions during his time in charge.
Earlier this year, he came under pressure over a proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in the World Cup to private investors. FIFA eventually dropped the plan. Despite the latest questions, FIFA said it remained focused on Thursday’s council meeting.
The organisation plans to discuss the future of football with its members after what it described as the most successful World Cup in history. For now, FIFA continues to defend its financial practices as the latest report puts Infantino’s earnings under fresh attention.
