FIFA president Gianni Infantino could have earned nearly £47 million ($63 million) a year if FIFA’s proposed World Cup investment plan had gone ahead, according to media reports.
The proposal, which was later withdrawn following widespread opposition, reportedly would have increased Infantino’s annual earnings by about £42 million, on top of his current estimated salary of £4.5 million, bringing his total annual compensation to nearly £47 million—equivalent to almost £1 million per week.
The plan sought to raise £3.1 billion in private investment for FIFA’s proposed Football Future Enterprise (FFE)project. Reports indicated that JPMorgan Chase was acting in an advisory capacity, while Thrive Capital, backed by Joshua Kushner, was among the firms expected to acquire a 20 percent stake in the venture.
Despite repeatedly insisting that “nobody is selling football,” Infantino eventually abandoned the proposal after it faced strong resistance from football governing bodies around the world.
UEFA led the opposition, with its 55 member associations threatening to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if the proposal proceeded. The Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation also opposed the plan.
The The Football Association backed UEFA’s stance, calling for a comprehensive review of FIFA’s leadership and governance.
Following the backlash, Infantino confirmed that the proposal would not move forward.
“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.”
Infantino also pledged to work toward rebuilding unity among football stakeholders and reiterated his commitment to growing the game globally, particularly in developing football nations.
Despite the controversy surrounding the failed proposal, reports indicate that Infantino is expected to seek another term as FIFA president in the organisation’s 2027 elections.