FIFA's Infantino Faces Growing Calls to Step Down Amid Salary Disclosures

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is finding himself in hot water as details emerge about an undeclared second salary of £1.3 million he received in 2024. The pressure for him to resign is mounting, particularly after his attempts to sell stakes in FIFA tournaments to private investors. Despite the controversy, Infantino has confirmed that he will pursue re-election in March 2027 as planned. According to financial documents, Infantino's reported salary for 2024 was £3.88 million ($5.1 million). However, U.S. tax filings revealed he also pocketed an additional £1.3 million ($1.76 million) from FWC2026, the organization responsible for this summer's World Cup. This payment was notably absent from FIFA's annual report. FIFA's own statutes dictate that compensation for the president and key officials must be made public. When questioned about the undisclosed payment, FIFA stated, "The FIFA president's annual compensation, as well as other contractual benefits, are decided by the FIFA compensation sub-committee." They added that contributions to social charges and pension funds for the president are reported to U.S. authorities in compliance with regulations. Interestingly, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani did not receive additional payments from FWC2026, despite Montagliani's role as chair of the organization. As Infantino prepares to meet with the FIFA Council members for the first time since his controversial privatization attempt, his presidency is becoming increasingly embroiled in scandal. Despite losing backing from UEFA and several federations across North America and Asia, Infantino is confident he can secure re-election. So far, no viable challengers have emerged, with potential candidates having until November 18 to announce their intentions. Infantino has previously been re-elected unopposed on two occasions since his initial victory in 2016.