Gianni Infantino, the president of Fifa, faces little risk of losing his position despite ongoing controversies surrounding the organization’s governance and decision-making. The current World Cup cycle has underscored the challenges of reforming Fifa in an environment where financial incentives and political patronage remain deeply entrenched.

The controversy at the 2026 World Cup involving Folarin Balogun, a player for the United States, highlights the ongoing tensions between sport and politics. Balogun had received a red card for serious foul play during the tournament, which was later suspended for a year following a phone call between Infantino and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump publicly disclosed the call, boasting about intervening on Balogun’s behalf, a revelation that drew criticism given the perception that such interventions undermine the integrity of the sport.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force on the Fifa World Cup 2026, defended the suspension of Balogun’s red card, emphasizing the U.S. government’s interest in ensuring fairness, particularly given the substantial federal funds invested in hosting the tournament. This incident forms part of a broader pattern where off-field decisions appear to influence outcomes on the pitch.

Fifa, which is on track to report a turnover of £9.6 billion by the end of the current four-year cycle, has long struggled with allegations of corruption and lack of transparency. The organization’s reputation was notably damaged in 2015, when several officials were arrested on corruption charges at a conference in Zurich. These investigations, led by U.S. authorities under the Rico Act, led to the resignation of then-president Sepp Blatter. However, nearly a decade later, meaningful reform appears limited.

Infantino, who succeeded Blatter, is poised to extend his tenure to 15 years after altering Fifa’s statutes to allow an additional term. His likely re-election is secured by Fifa’s voting system, where each member nation holds equal voting power regardless of size or footballing stature. This setup allows Infantino to maintain strong support from smaller and developing football nations, particularly in Central America and the Caribbean, undermining efforts by European football powers to promote reform.

Since 2016, Fifa’s Forward Development Programme has disbursed nearly $1.7 billion to various regions, including North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa. These funds play a dual role, supporting football development while also reinforcing political alliances and loyalty among member nations. The recent expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams has also opened new avenues for revenue and influence, further embedding patronage within the organization.

Observers note that the broader political climate also complicates attempts at reform. With political integrity increasingly viewed as optional in many governments, including democratic ones, efforts to impose similar standards in international sport organizations face significant obstacles. The incident involving Trump’s intervention and Infantino’s steady hold on power exemplify the challenges of enforcing accountability in Fifa’s governance.