U.S. sports media outlet ESPN reported on October 14 that FIFA President Gianni Infantino received an additional $1.72 million (approximately 2.3 billion won) from the FWC2026, the organization managing the 2024 World Cup. This amount is separate from his existing salary and allowances of $4.86 million (about 6.5 billion won). Notably, the additional compensation was omitted from FIFA's annual financial report, sparking controversy.
According to Article 43, Section 13 of FIFA's statutes, personal compensation for the president and other key executives must be disclosed.
In an interview with foreign media, former FIFA governance committee member Miguel Maduro stated, "If the president received money from a FIFA-related entity and did not disclose it, that is a clear violation of regulations. The president's compensation should be transparent." In contrast, FIFA responded, "We did not pay the president double compensation. All financial information has passed independent audits in accordance with regulations."
Meanwhile, The Times of London reported in July that FIFA is planning to raise approximately $4.2 billion by selling up to 21% of its subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprises, which manages World Cup commercial rights, to U.S.-based external investors while retaining control. However, this plan faced backlash and has since been scrapped, leading to ongoing calls for Infantino's resignation and continued tensions within the global football community. If the current controversy is confirmed, public opinion regarding Infantino is likely to worsen.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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