Gianni Infantino was elected FIFA president 10 years ago with a remit to rescue football's world governing body from corruption claims after Sepp Blatter resigned. FIFA's finances were in a desperate state with a reported $550m black hole after sponsors walked away. Ten years on, the governing body expects record revenues of $13bn for the three-year cycle through 2026.

But those figures are boosted by the controversial Club World Cup and the biggest-ever World Cup with high ticket prices. Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in competitions to private investors drew widespread criticism. He has clashed with players' unions and European football, while his close relationship with Donald Trump prompted a UEFA walkout in May 2025.

Infantino received a 33% pay rise to 2.6m Swiss francs upon re-election. The new Club World Cup trophy was engraved "Inspired by the FIFA president Gianni Infantino." Yet the tournament featured swathes of empty seats, and 2026 World Cup ticket prices soared — the cheapest final ticket in New Jersey is £3,119.

The 2026 tournament, staged in the USA, Mexico and Canada, made headlines before kickoff: visa delays for supporters, Iran's base moved to Mexico, and a Somali referee denied entry at Miami Airport. When football began, Trump asked FIFA to overturn Folarin Balogun's suspension, thrusting Infantino's political ties into the spotlight.