FIFA President Received Undisclosed Payment in 2024
Gianni Infantino reportedly accepted $1.76 million from a company tied to the 2026 World Cup that went unlisted.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Soccer
Live Poll
Should international sports governing bodies be required to disclose all compensation paid to their leaders?
FIFA president Gianni Infantino received an undisclosed $1.76 million payment in 2024 through an organization staging the 2026 World Cup. US Internal Revenue Service filings revealed the transaction, which was absent from FIFA's official 2024 annual report.
Why it matters
The disclosure highlights concerns regarding transparency in the organization's financial governance and the management of executive compensation. FIFA asserts that its compensation sub-committee handles all presidential contractual benefits.
Official reports listed Infantino's annual earnings at 4.27 million Swiss francs. The additional $1.76 million payment from a 2026 World Cup entity was not included in those published accounts.
The players
Gianni Infantino
He serves as the president of FIFA and oversees the global governing body for association football.
Debbie Hewitt
She is the chairwoman of the Football Association and is expected to press for greater organizational accountability.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who has been linked to a FIFA peace prize award.
Folarin Balogun
He is a professional footballer whose status regarding a FIFA ban is currently being questioned by council members.
The details
While FIFA maintains that pension and social charges were disclosed to US authorities, the omission from their annual report has drawn calls for increased scrutiny. Reports suggest that similar or larger payments were made to the president throughout 2025 and 2026.
Timeline
Gianni Infantino received an undisclosed $1.76 million payment in 2024.
Additional payments were allegedly made to Infantino in 2025.
Further payments were allegedly issued to the FIFA president in 2026.
Season Trajectory
The current scrutiny of executive compensation marks a departure from the FIFA governance committee's historical oversight protocols. This situation complicates the organization's governance as council members prepare to address multiple contentious issues in Zurich.
The controversy creates uncertainty regarding leadership stability as no rival candidate has entered the upcoming FIFA presidential election. The outcome of the Zurich meeting will determine if further financial disclosures or reforms are mandated for executive oversight.
The takeaway
Transparency in executive compensation remains a critical benchmark for international sports governing bodies. Supporters and observers should watch for potential procedural changes emerging from the upcoming FIFA council meetings.
What happens next
Council members are scheduled to meet in Zurich to discuss accountability measures and potential policy changes regarding awards and player eligibility.
Further reading
For more background on the organization, visit our Soccer page.
Live Poll
Should international sports governing bodies be required to disclose all compensation paid to their leaders?
