Infantino's Life as FIFA President: Power, Private Jets and Controversy

The life of a FIFA president comes with extraordinary privilege — private jets, access to heads of state, influence over the world's most popular sport — but Gianni Infantino's tenure has been marked by persistent controversy that has made his position increasingly complicated.

The World Cup investment scandal

The latest flashpoint has been Infantino's handling of an investment plan related to the World Cup, which failed after widespread opposition from member associations and football governing bodies. Critics accused him of attempting to sell stakes in the tournament to commercial investors in ways that they argued undermined the sport's integrity and the interests of national federations.

Norway's football federation has gone so far as to call publicly for Infantino's resignation, though the FIFA president has retained the backing of other national associations who view his leadership positively.

Power and controversy

Infantino's tenure has divided football's establishment. Supporters credit him with increasing FIFA revenues and expanding the World Cup, while critics argue he has concentrated power in his own hands, limited internal oversight, and prioritised commercial interests over sporting ones.

With a Supreme Court showdown and internal football politics both in play, the question of how long Infantino can maintain his grip on the presidency remains open.