FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing renewed calls to resign following revelations that he received an additional £1.3 million payment in 2024 from the company responsible for organising the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The payment, reportedly worth $1.76 million, was not publicly disclosed in FIFA’s annual report, despite the organisation’s commitment to publishing the president’s salary, bonuses and allowances since 2016.
According to the reported figures, Infantino declared a salary of £3.88 million, equivalent to $5.1 million, for 2024.
However, United States tax filings reportedly revealed an additional payment from FWC2026, the company established to organise and manage this summer’s World Cup.
The revelation has raised fresh questions about transparency and accountability within world football’s governing body.
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.
Responding to enquiries, FIFA said the president’s annual compensation and other contractual benefits were determined by its compensation sub-committee.
The organisation added that its contributions towards social charges, pension funds and other contractual employee benefits were disclosed to United States authorities in accordance with applicable reporting requirements.
However, FIFA’s response has not prevented further scrutiny of the additional payment.
The report also indicated that FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom received no additional payment from FWC2026.
The same was reportedly true of Concacaf president Victor Montagliani, who chaired the company’s board.
Infantino Under Pressure Ahead of FIFA Council Meeting
The latest controversy comes as Infantino faces growing criticism over his leadership and governance of FIFA.
He is expected to meet other members of the FIFA Council on Thursday, in what would be their first gathering since concerns emerged over his attempt to partially privatise FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, without first securing the council members’ backing.
Infantino has also faced opposition from UEFA and some football federations in North America and Asia, adding to the pressure surrounding his presidency.
Despite the criticism, the FIFA president is reportedly determined to seek another term and believes he has sufficient support to secure re-election in March 2027.
Potential challengers have until November 18 to declare their intention to contest the presidency, although no credible opponent has emerged so far.
Infantino first became FIFA president in 2016 after defeating four other candidates. He has since secured re-election twice without opposition.
The latest disclosure is likely to intensify debate over financial transparency, leadership accountability and the governance of international football as FIFA prepares for the 2026 World Cup.
