Failed FIFA World Cup Sale Could Have Boosted Infantino’s Annual Pay to £47 Million

FIFA president Gianni Infantino could have earned nearly £47 million ($63 million) a year if his controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup had been approved, according to reports.

The proposal, which was later withdrawn following widespread opposition from football governing bodies, would reportedly have increased Infantino’s annual earnings by about £42 million, on top of his current salary of approximately £4.5 million, taking his total yearly compensation to almost £1 million per week.

The plan centred on raising about £3.1 billion in private investment for FIFA’s proposed Football Future Enterprise (FFE).

Reports indicated that JP Morgan was acting as an adviser on the project, while investment firm Thrive Capital, backed by Jared Kushner, was among those expected to acquire a 20 percent stake in the new venture.

Although Infantino repeatedly maintained that “nobody is selling football,” he eventually abandoned the proposal after mounting resistance from football authorities around the world.

UEFA led the opposition, with its member associations threatening to boycott FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, if the proposal moved forward.

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also voiced opposition to the plan.

England’s Football Association backed UEFA’s stance, stating:

“We fully support UEFA’s position.”

The FA also called for greater accountability within world football’s governing body.

“It is time for a full and robust review of FIFA’s leadership and governance to ensure that the global game is run transparently, for the benefit of all 211 member nations and with the long-term stewardship of football at its heart.”

Confirming the withdrawal of the proposal, Infantino acknowledged that it had created divisions within the global football community.

“Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place.”

He added:

“Our purpose has always been, and will always be, to unite and improve.”

Announcing the decision to shelve the proposal, the FIFA president said:

“As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”

Infantino also pledged to rebuild consensus among football stakeholders, saying FIFA would continue working to grow the sport globally, particularly in developing football nations.

Despite the controversy surrounding the abandoned proposal, reports indicate that Infantino is expected to seek another term as FIFA president during the organisation’s 2027 elections.