It has been a decade since Gianni Infantino was elected president of FIFA, tasked with restoring trust in football’s global governing body.
When Infantino took office in 2016, FIFA was in crisis. His predecessor, Sepp Blatter, had resigned amid corruption investigations, and the organization faced a reported $550 million financial shortfall after major sponsors withdrew support.
Infantino promised reform and transparency.
“I will work tirelessly to bring football back to FIFA, and FIFA back to football,” he said at the time.
From Crisis to Record Revenues
Ten years later, FIFA’s financial picture looks dramatically different. The organization expects record revenues of $13 billion for the current three-year cycle.
Much of that growth comes from expanded tournaments, including a larger men’s World Cup and the newly expanded Club World Cup. The men’s World Cup has grown from 32 teams to 48, significantly increasing broadcasting, sponsorship, and ticket income.
However, these expansions have also sparked debate. Critics point to rising ticket prices and player workload concerns, with tensions growing between FIFA, European leagues, and players’ unions.
The Unexpected Rise to Power
Infantino was not initially seen as the frontrunner to replace Blatter. That role was widely expected to go to Michel Platini, then president of UEFA. However, Platini became entangled in investigations that ultimately cleared him but derailed his candidacy.
Infantino, who had served as UEFA’s general secretary and was best known to fans for overseeing Champions League draws, stepped forward as the preferred candidate.
The election was closely contested. In the first round, Infantino narrowly led Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa. After votes were redistributed from other candidates, Infantino secured victory with 115 votes to 88.
At the time, English FA chairman Greg Dyke described the result as “a new day, a new dawn.”
Reform and Expansion
Infantino’s manifesto focused heavily on increasing development funding for FIFA’s member associations. He pledged to more than double financial support to help smaller nations build infrastructure, fund competitions, and cover travel expenses.
Expanding the World Cup was also central to his vision. Initially proposed as a 40-team tournament, it was later approved as a 48-team event, reshaping global football competition.
Under his leadership, FIFA has positioned itself as financially stronger than ever. Yet critics argue that commercial expansion has sometimes overshadowed governance reforms and raised concerns about player welfare.
A Powerful Position
Despite controversy and clashes with European football bodies and player unions, Infantino remains firmly in control of the world’s most powerful football organization.
Ten years after taking office during one of FIFA’s darkest periods, his presidency is defined by both financial success and ongoing debate about the future direction of the global game.
His legacy will likely be judged not only by revenue growth but by how the sport balances expansion, integrity, and the interests of players and fans.
