FIFA, the governing body of soccer, disclosed in its financial report that President Gianni Infantino received a 33% raise in his base salary last year, bringing his total pay package to more than 4.13 million Swiss francs ($4.67 million). Infantino, who was re-elected unopposed in 2023, extended his presidency to 11 years. FIFA organized the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and selected preferred hosts for future men’s World Cups, including the 2034 edition in Saudi Arabia.
Infantino's pre-tax base salary payment increased by over 500,000 Swiss francs ($565,000) in 2023, reaching more than 2.46 million Swiss francs ($2.78 million). He also received an annual bonus of 1.65 million Swiss francs ($1.87 million). In comparison, the previous FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, had a contracted bonus of $12 million for the 2014 World Cup in addition to a $3 million basic salary and annual bonuses.
FIFA has projected total revenue of $11 billion for the financial cycle from 2023 to 2026, with sponsors like state oil firm Aramco from Saudi Arabia expected to join longstanding partners such as Coca-Cola, Adidas, and Visa. The 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams and 104 games, will be the first of its kind.
Despite recommendations for a more figurehead role for the FIFA president, Infantino has operated as an executive leader. The compensation panel, chaired by Mukul Mudgal, a retired judge from India, oversees FIFA's pay structure. The financial report also revealed that FIFA paid its secretary general a package of 1.9 million Swiss francs ($2.15 million) in 2023.
In 2023, FIFA reported revenue of $1.17 billion, with significant contributions from marketing deals and broadcasting. The organization spent nearly $1.75 billion, with a substantial portion allocated to the Women’s World Cup. FIFA's financial reserves stand at almost $3.6 billion, described as a 'very solid level.'
Overall, FIFA continues to invest in soccer development, with each of its 211 member federations receiving up to $8 million every four years. The organization remains financially robust, with plans for reserve levels to fluctuate in the coming years.
