Gianni Infantino has completed a decade as FIFA president after taking office in 2016 following Sepp Blatter’s departure. He inherited an organization facing corruption, financial strain and a crisis of confidence, with an estimated $550 million shortfall after sponsors were lost. Infantino pledged to direct football’s money toward football development, increasing funding for member nations, launching new tournaments and expanding the World Cup.

Under his leadership, the World Cup has expanded from 32 to 48 teams and a new-format Club World Cup has been introduced. FIFA’s revenue in the 2023-26 financial cycle is on course to reach a record $13 billion, though the article says much of that growth stems from the controversial Club World Cup and expanded World Cup. Smaller and financially weaker federations have received significant infrastructure and development support, while FIFA’s financial transparency has increased.

Controversy has persisted over Qatar, Saudi Arabia’s path to hosting the 2034 World Cup, player groups’ objections to scheduling, salary increases and Infantino’s ties with US President Donald Trump. UEFA has formally said it has no confidence in his leadership. Infantino, re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023, remains eligible to run in the 2027 election under current rules.