Full Breakdown
Infantino Faces Scrutiny Over Undeclared 2024 World Cup Company Payment
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Secret Additional Compensation Revealed
Investigations reported that FIFA president Gianni Infantino received a second salary in 2024 that was not disclosed in FIFA’s annual report. The payment, made by FWC2026 US Inc—the entity created to organise the 2026 World Cup in the United States—was identified through U.S. Internal Revenue Service filings. The undisclosed amount is described as £1.3 million, €1.6 million, $0.76 million, or $2.4 million AUD depending on the source. The funds were used, in part, to cover rent for a waterfront villa in Miami’s Sunset Islands.
Background: FIFA’s Transparency Obligations
Since 2016, FIFA has pledged to publish the individual compensation of its president, council members, and secretary-general in its annual report, as required by Article 43, paragraph 13 of the federation’s statutes. The 2024 report listed Infantino’s salary as 4.274 million Swiss francs (approximately £3.88 million).
Data & Statistics: Reported vs. Undisclosed Payments
| Source | Currency | Amount Reported as Undisclosed | Intended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Times (UK) | £ | £1.3 million | General extra compensation |
| The Times (UK) | € | €1.6 million | General extra compensation |
| The Times (UK) | $ | $0.76 million | Villa rent |
| Nine (Australia) | AUD | $2.4 million AUD | Villa rent and U.S. travel |
| MozzartSport (Kenya) | $ | $626,229 | Rent for Sunset Islands villa |
All sources agree that Mattias Grafström, FIFA’s secretary-general, and Victor Montagliani, CONCACAF president, did not receive comparable extra payments.
Official Statements & Responses
FIFA said compensation decisions are made by the FIFA Compensation Sub-Committee and that all benefits are reported to U.S. authorities. The federation did not explain why the extra payment was omitted from the 2024 report.
> “The FIFA president's annual compensation, as well as other contractual benefits, are decided by the FIFA compensation sub-committee.” — former FIFA chairman
A spokesperson added that contributions to social charges, pension funds, and other employee benefits are reported in line with U.S. requirements.
Criticism & Opposition
- UEFA officials have called for a new FIFA president, citing the undisclosed payment as a breach of statutes.
- Craig Foster, former Australian international, said the revelation “must be the end” of Infantino’s tenure.
Critics argue the hidden compensation undermines FIFA’s commitment to financial transparency and could affect Infantino’s re-election prospects in March 2025.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The investigation presents multiple currency figures for the same 2024 payment, reflecting different conversion methods. No source provides a detailed breakdown for 2025-2026, though the probe suggests comparable sums may have been paid. FIFA has not released documentation to verify the amounts.
What’s Next: Council Meeting and Election Timeline
Infantino is scheduled to meet the 36-member FIFA Council in Zurich later this week, where the undisclosed payment is expected to be a major agenda item. Candidates for the next presidential election must declare their intention by November 18. No challenger has yet secured the required five-federation support, though former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega and Norwegian federation chief Lise Klaveness have signaled interest.
The secret payment and mounting criticism place Infantino’s leadership under heightened scrutiny as the federation approaches its next election cycle.
