FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing renewed scrutiny over his earnings following revelations published by British newspaper The Times. According to the report, Infantino allegedly received an additional $1.76 million in 2024 through a company linked to the organisation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The payments were reportedly not disclosed in FIFA’s public financial reporting in the same way as his official remuneration. The revelations have raised fresh questions about financial transparency and governance at football’s global governing body as Infantino prepares for the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027.
Report Raises Questions Over Additional FIFA-Related Payments
According to accounting documents reviewed by The Times, FWC2026 US Inc, an entity established as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup, allegedly paid $1.76 million to Infantino in 2024.
The reported amount would be additional to the 4.274 million Swiss francs disclosed by FIFA as the president’s annual remuneration. The British newspaper also referred to $626,229 in additional reportable remuneration that was allegedly not presented in FIFA’s annual report in the same way as payments made directly by the organisation.
The issue centres on whether the payments were disclosed in accordance with FIFA’s governance requirements. Article 43, paragraph 13, of the organisation’s statutes provides for the individual disclosure of remuneration paid to its senior officials.
Miguel Maduro, a former chairman of FIFA’s governance committee, reportedly argued that the failure to disclose the payments could constitute a breach of the organisation’s rules. He has called for clarification regarding the nature of the income and why it may not have been transparently reported.
However, the allegations reported by The Times do not, on their own, establish that any rules were breached.
Luxury Miami Residence and $8.6 Million Apartment Mentioned
The investigation also examined Infantino’s lifestyle and expenses in the United States, where he has spent considerable time as preparations for the 2026 World Cup have progressed.
According to The Times, the FIFA president’s arrangements in Miami included the rental of a luxury waterfront residence costing tens of thousands of dollars per month. The property reportedly previously belonged to Eric Schmidt, the former chief executive of Google.
The newspaper also raised questions about an apartment valued at $8.6 million that was acquired through a company.
These details have prompted further questions about the distinction between professional expenses, benefits associated with the FIFA presidency and personal income. They do not, however, independently demonstrate any financial misconduct.
The precise nature of the payments, their justification and their treatment in FIFA’s financial disclosures remain central to the concerns raised by the report.
Infantino Faces Renewed Governance Pressure Ahead of 2027 Election
The latest revelations come as Infantino faces broader criticism over his leadership of FIFA. Disagreements have emerged over proposals to commercialise certain World Cup-related assets with private investors.
UEFA and Concacaf have called for greater financial transparency and proposed distributing part of FIFA’s substantial reserves among its 211 member associations. Norway’s football federation has also filed complaints with the relevant FIFA bodies over several controversial decisions.
Despite the criticism, Infantino retains significant support and is seeking another term in the presidential election scheduled for March 2027.
The reported payments could intensify calls for greater disclosure and independent scrutiny of FIFA’s finances. For African football associations, which are among FIFA’s 211 members, transparency, financial accountability and the distribution of resources remain important governance issues.
FIFA is now under pressure to clarify the payments reportedly made through its US-based entity and explain how they were treated in its financial records. As of now, a formal investigation arising from these revelations has not been confirmed.
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