Amidst controversies and scandals, FIFA has been under the scrutiny of the public eye. However, the recent financial report released by the governing body revealed some shocking details regarding the salary of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. In a surprising move, FIFA raised Infantino’s base salary by 33% last year, making his total pay package worth more than $4.67 million. This increase comes in the wake of Infantino’s re-election in March 2023, extending his presidency to 11 years. With FIFA staging the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, as well as selecting preferred candidates for hosting future men’s World Cups, including the 2034 edition in Saudi Arabia, it seems that Infantino has solidified his position within the organization.
Comparing Salaries
Infantino’s pre-tax base salary payment saw a significant increase last year, reaching more than $2.78 million. Additionally, his annual bonus amounted to $1.87 million, the same as in 2022 when the men’s World Cup was held in Qatar. In comparison to his predecessor, Sepp Blatter, Infantino’s compensation package seems to be more generous. Blatter had a contracted bonus worth $12 million for the 2014 World Cup on top of a $3 million basic salary and annual bonuses. Infantino’s luxurious lifestyle includes a residence in Qatar during the 2022 tournament preparations and now in Florida, where FIFA has offices in Coral Gables.
FIFA’s Financial Outlook
FIFA’s financial projections for the upcoming years are ambitious, with total revenue expected to reach $11 billion in the four-year financial cycle from 2023 through 2026. The association has secured sponsors like state oil firm Aramco from Saudi Arabia, alongside longtime partners Coca-Cola, Adidas, and Visa. The 2026 World Cup aims to be the first with 48 teams and 104 games, marking a significant milestone in FIFA’s history.
In addition to Infantino’s salary, FIFA’s CEO-like secretary general, Fatma Samoura, received a $2.15 million package in her final year in the job in 2023. This package included a salary of $1.47 million and a $670,000 bonus before departing in December. However, despite recommendations for a more figurehead role for the FIFA president, Infantino has continued to operate as an executive leader. The compensation panel, led by Mukul Mudgal, oversees governance and compliance at FIFA, with payments to FIFA Council members remaining constant.
Global Football Salaries
When comparing global football salaries, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin received a gross salary without a bonus worth almost $3.26 million. In contrast, the chief executive of the English Premier League, Richard Masters, had a salary of £1.8 million ($2.3 million) in 2022. This disparity in salaries highlights the varying compensation packages within different football organizations.
Financial Impact of FIFA Events
FIFA’s financial success is largely driven by events like the Men’s World Cup, with revenues being booked in the accounts for 2026. In 2023, during the Women’s World Cup year, FIFA reported revenue of $1.17 billion, with a significant portion coming from marketing deals and broadcasting. The expenditures for the Women’s World Cup reached $499 million, with payments to participating teams, players, and clubs increasing to $152 million.
Despite criticisms and controversies, FIFA maintains financial stability with reserves of almost $3.6 billion. The association describes this total as “a very solid level” but anticipates a decrease in the next two years before experiencing a rise in 2026. FIFA also allocates funding to its 211 member federations for football development, with funds reaching $470 million in 2023.
The rise of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s salary reflects the organization’s financial strength and ambitions for the future. While criticisms persist regarding executive compensation and governance, FIFA continues to navigate the complex landscape of international football with grandiose events and lucrative partnerships.