FIFA President Infantino Accused of $1.72M Hidden Income from 2026 World Cup
SingTao · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure over allegations of hidden income totaling $1.72 million USD from the 2026 World Cup organizing entity. Confidential documents obtained from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reveal that Infantino received the payment in 2024 from FWC 2026, the U.S.-based official body responsible for organizing the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The payment was not disclosed in FIFA's 2024 annual financial report, raising serious questions about compliance with the organization's transparency bylaws.
Key Points
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino allegedly received $1.72 million USD (approximately HK$13.4 million) from FWC 2026 in 2024
- The payment was disclosed through IRS Form 990, a mandatory filing for U.S. nonprofit organizations
- This hidden income was not included in FIFA's 2024 official financial report despite full transparency requirements
- Infantino already received 4.274 million Swiss Francs (approximately HK$40 million) in regular salary and benefits from FIFA headquarters
- The undisclosed payment would increase his annual income by over 30%
- Article 43, Section 13 of the FIFA Statutes requires complete public disclosure of all compensation for the president and council members
- FIFA spokesperson denied any violations, asserting the president fully complied with all reporting requirements
Why It Matters
This scandal strikes at the heart of FIFA's reform efforts, which have been plagued by persistent corruption allegations for decades. The revelation threatens Infantino's chances of securing a third term as president, as governance concerns take center stage. International football stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the organization will enforce its own transparency rules against its most senior official.
This scandal strikes at the heart of FIFA's reform efforts, which have been plagued by persistent corruption allegations for decades. The revelation threatens Infantino's chances of securing a third term as president, as governance concerns take center stage. International football stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the organization will enforce its own transparency rules against its most senior official.