Gianni Infantino’s tenure as FIFA president has been marked by a persistent drive to expand the scope and commercial reach of global football, a strategy that has drawn both praise and criticism since his election in 2016. Initially seen as a Swiss bureaucrat promising transparency and accountability in the aftermath of Sepp Blatter’s turbulent leadership, Infantino has transformed his role into one that many insiders describe as akin to running a small state, exerting broad influence over the sport’s future.
From the outset, Infantino emphasized a significant increase in funding for member associations, underpinned by expanding football’s global footprint. His first major proposal, announced in 2016, outlined plans to enlarge the FIFA World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, a change confirmed in 2017 for the 2026 tournament. Since then, his vision has grown to include an expanded Club World Cup, a biennial World Cup proposal introduced in 2021, and innovations such as mandatory hydration breaks. The geographic reach of tournaments has also widened, with the 2030 World Cup set to be hosted across three continents and six countries, and the 2034 event awarded to Saudi Arabia without apparent opposition.
These developments came alongside a period of financial strain for global football following the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting FIFA to seek new revenue streams. The organization’s financial performance under Infantino has reportedly tripled, yet his push for constant expansion continues unabated. Critics argue this relentless growth strategy serves as a form of patronage, using redistributed revenues to secure political support among FIFA’s membership ahead of elections and a recent rule change allowing extended presidential terms. Infantino is widely expected to pursue a third full term, which is currently projected to be his last.
Speculation surrounding Infantino’s motivations includes suggestions that he may be laying the groundwork for a lucrative post-presidency role as CEO of a new FIFA corporate entity managing commercial rights. While FIFA has officially denied such arrangements, the scale of the recent proposals within the organization raises questions about his long-term ambitions. Others attribute his agenda to personal ambition and a desire for power and status. Growing up in a working-class family in Switzerland, Infantino has cultivated relationships with numerous world leaders and high-profile figures, reflecting a shift from football official to a figure with considerable political and social influence.
Experts and insiders express concern about the implications of some alliances, particularly with controversial leaders. A senior football official suggested that Infantino’s commercial strategy currently faces undue influence from external political actors, naming former U.S. President Donald Trump as leveraging the World Cup’s commercial opportunities. This dynamic highlights the complex and often transactional nature of power within international sports governance.
As FIFA moves forward with plans to commercialize the World Cup’s rights further and explore ever-larger tournaments, the balance between growth, governance, and the sport’s integrity remains a critical issue for officials and fans worldwide.