Infantino took office in the shadow of crisis. His predecessor, Sepp Blatter, had resigned amid corruption allegations that engulfed world football’s governing body. A $550m financial shortfall loomed, sponsors had distanced themselves, and trust in FIFA was badly eroded.
Campaigning on a reformist platform, Infantino pledged transparency and development. “I will work tirelessly to bring football back to FIFA, and FIFA back to football,” he said upon his election — a tightly contested vote in which he ultimately defeated Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa.
Financial Revival and Expansion
A decade later, FIFA’s balance sheet tells a striking story. The organisation expects to post record revenues of $13bn for the current three-year cycle — a dramatic turnaround from its financial distress in 2016. Central to that growth has been the expansion of flagship competitions.
The men’s World Cup has grown from 32 to 48 teams beginning in 2026, while the revamped Club World Cup — long championed by Infantino — is set to debut as a major summer tournament in the United States. Critics argue the expanded calendar strains players and inflates ticket prices, yet the strategy has undeniably boosted income.
Infantino has framed expansion as a development tool rather than a commercial gamble. Through the FIFA Forward programme, billions have been distributed to member associations for infrastructure, training and grassroots projects. Smaller and less affluent federations — particularly in Africa and Asia — have seen unprecedented funding flows.
Across its first two cycles, FIFA Forward allocated $2.8bn to more than 1,600 projects worldwide. The 2023–2026 cycle has increased funding by 30%, reinforcing Infantino’s support base among the 211 member associations.
Controversial World Cups
Infantino inherited two contentious World Cups — 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2022 FIFA World Cup — both awarded before his presidency but clouded by controversy.
The Qatar tournament marked a turning point in his public profile. Under intense scrutiny over migrant worker treatment and human rights concerns, Infantino delivered a widely publicised speech declaring, “Today I feel Qatari… Today I feel gay… Today I feel like a migrant worker.” The remarks drew both support and criticism, amplifying his visibility on the global stage.
Subsequent hosting decisions have also stirred debate. The 2030 World Cup will span three continents — Africa, Europe and South America — while the 2034 edition is set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, a choice that prompted governance concerns from some European federations.
Political Ties and Public Scrutiny
Infantino’s growing proximity to political figures, including former US President Donald Trump, has further fuelled criticism, particularly from European football authorities. In 2025, UEFA delegates staged a walkout at a FIFA Congress after Infantino arrived late from diplomatic engagements.
His personal remuneration has also drawn attention. After a 33% pay rise in 2024, his base salary rose to 2.6 million Swiss francs, approaching the final earnings of Blatter. FIFA maintains that executive compensation is now transparent and subject to governance oversight — a sharp contrast to past practices revealed in post-scandal investigations.
An Impregnable Position
Despite controversies surrounding ticket pricing, scheduling congestion and governance questions, Infantino’s political footing appears secure. Re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023, he is eligible to run again in 2027 after a ruling determined his initial partial term did not count toward the statutory three-term limit.
His strength lies in numbers. Nearly half of FIFA’s voting power resides in Asia and Africa — regions that have benefited significantly from expanded funding and development grants. For many associations, Infantino’s presidency has delivered tangible infrastructure and financial support.
While critics in Europe question the direction of global football under his leadership, the broader membership sees an administration that restored financial stability and redistributed wealth more widely.
Legacy in Progress
Infantino’s decade at the helm has reshaped FIFA into a commercially robust and globally expansive entity. Whether history judges his tenure as visionary or divisive may depend less on balance sheets than on how football reconciles growth with governance and commercial ambition with sporting integrity.
What is clear, however, is that the once low-profile administrator who presented Champions League draws now stands as one of the most recognisable and influential figures in world sport — firmly entrenched at the summit of the global game.