FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing allegations he received a secret salary of £1.3 million on top of his declared earnings. The payment, reportedly made in 2024 by a subsidiary organising the 2026 World Cup, was not included in FIFA's public annual report.
US tax filings show the subsidiary, FWC2026 US Inc, paid the FIFA president $1.76 million. Infantino's official compensation for that year was listed as 4.27 million Swiss francs, approximately £3.88 million. The additional payment would significantly increase his total earnings.
Calls for investigation
Miguel Maduro, the former chairman of FIFA's governance committee, said the omission could break the rules. "It is a clear contravention of the rules if he is paid other amounts by companies related to FIFA and it is not made public," Maduro said.
He called for an investigation into the arrangement. A source familiar with the accounts claimed Infantino also received similar, or larger, sums in 2025 and 2026.
FIFA's defence and mounting pressure
FIFA defended its compensation process, stating its sub-committee determines the president's salary and benefits. The governing body added it reported all relevant payments to US authorities.
The allegations emerge ahead of a critical FIFA Council meeting in Zurich. Football Association chairwoman Debbie Hewitt is expected to demand more accountability and the release of documents related to other controversial decisions.
These include a scrapped plan to sell World Cup investment shares and the suspension of a red-card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun. The meeting will also review a peace prize Infantino awarded to former US President Donald Trump without full council approval.
Despite the controversy, Infantino is not expected to face a challenger in next year's presidential election. The latest claims, however, are likely to intensify calls for an independent probe into FIFA's finances. Cape Town City FC's next fixture is at home against The Bees on 13 October.
Background and full detail: sports.yahoo.com
