FIFA president Gianni Infantino received an undisclosed payment of approximately US$1.72 million from the organisation responsible for the 2026 World Cup, according to documents obtained from FIFA and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The payment, made in 2024 by FWC2026—the official entity established by FIFA to organise and manage the tournament held across North America—was not included in FIFA’s annual report for that year.

This sum was in addition to Infantino’s reported salary and benefits from FIFA for 2024, which totalled about US$4.9 million. FIFA statutes require that the individual compensation of the president, council members, and secretary-general be made public, raising questions about the transparency of the payment.

A spokesperson for FIFA responded to the report by rejecting any allegations of wrongdoing. The organisation stated that it does not pay a second salary to the FIFA president and maintains full compliance with all disclosure and reporting requirements. The spokesperson emphasised that Infantino’s compensation package, including salary and contractual benefits, is determined by an independent compensation subcommittee. FIFA also highlighted that its accounts undergo independent audits and that disclosures follow tax regulations in Switzerland, the United States, and other jurisdictions.

Infantino, 56, has served as FIFA president since 2016. The revelation adds to the scrutiny surrounding his tenure, which earlier this year saw criticism over a proposed—but ultimately abandoned—plan to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup to private investors.

FIFA indicated its focus remains on the upcoming FIFA Council meeting scheduled for October 15, aiming to continue discussions on the growth of the sport following the recently completed World Cup, which was described as the most successful in history.