FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing challenges after a failed World Cup personal investment plan, while maintaining ties with influential figures such as US President Donald Trump.

Gianni Infantino: Politician, Private Jet and Power - Life

According to Bbc.

Background

As FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has a big responsibility in managing relations between football federations throughout the world, including in South America. Support from Conmebol and influential figures in the region can be key in facing existing challenges, especially in the context of investment and organizing the upcoming World Cup.

Why this is important

Gianni Infantino's life as FIFA president not only involves managing football tournaments, but also building strategic relationships with influential figures. His relationship with US President Donald Trump shows how important political support is in the world of international football. With the challenges he faces, including the World Cup investment plan scandal, the future of his leadership is now in question.

Main Points

Gianni Infantino: Politicians, Private Jets and Power - Life.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing challenges after a failed World Cup personal investment plan, while maintaining ties with influential figures such as US President Donald Trump.
Gianni Infantino: Politicians, private jets and power - the life of a Fifa president - BBC Sport.

Gianni Infantino had just stepped off the plane in Cali and was greeted on the tarmac by the president of the Colombian Football Federation, Ramon Jesurun, who is a close ally. It was an opportunity to show support, with the two smiling in a photo for the federation's Instagram account. However, Infantino's visit this time was not to attend an ordinary meeting. He was present to celebrate the inauguration of Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella. Infantino was accompanied by Alejandro Dominguez, president of South American football's governing body Conmebol, who praised Infantino's track record and called the 2026 World Cup a "very successful", insisting "we stand with Gianni".

The life of a FIFA president cannot be separated from building relationships with the most powerful people in the world, such as Infantino's relationship with US President Donald Trump. Before the biggest scandal of his tenure - the stalled FIFA Forward Enterprise plan - Infantino was a powerful and seemingly unflappable figure. But now, after apologizing and stating his desire to survive the backlash resulting from his plan to sell part of his World Cup holdings to a private equity firm, Infantino appears to be trying to return to normalcy. Of course, it may not be that easy. UEFA's threat to boycott the FIFA tournament remains and will be tested with the start of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland in the next 29 days.

Despite the support he has received from outside Europe in recent days, Infantino will not back down easily. However, questions have arisen over what exactly the role of the FIFA president is, a question that has arisen in Colombia. A group of black Mercedes cars, accompanied by police cars, recently entered FIFA headquarters in Rabat, Morocco. Infantino has summoned several members of FIFA's management board to discuss his plans to sell 21% of its commercial and ticketing business to a private equity firm.

As FIFA president, Infantino travels on a Qatar Airways executive jet provided to him. This aircraft allows him to make up to three flights a day, overseeing two matches during the 2026 World Cup. This type of arrival does look presidential, but more like the president of a country than a sporting body.

As president, Infantino is expected to visit all 211 member countries to see the grassroots projects that FIFA has funded. Part of his job is to unify football, which cannot be achieved solely from FIFA's headquarters in Zurich. This requires international travel to attend confederation meetings and global tournaments organized by FIFA.

In April, before the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, local authorities rejected a request to use a fourth-tier motorcade, usually reserved for heads of state or the Pope. New Zealand police also rejected a similar request during the 2023 Women's World Cup. Behind the car entourage and private charter flights, there is also the large salary that Infantino receives, three times what he received when elected in 2016.

Infantino, who a decade ago was earning around £1.3m, now earns around £4m - with a base salary of £2.2m plus a confirmed variable bonus of £1.8m. The salary received by his predecessor, Sepp Blatter, was a £2.6 million package for his final year as FIFA president. Infantino also gets a daily allowance to cover expenses and living expenses, which is worth £20,500 a year on top of his salary. As the head of the most popular sport in the world, his salary should be commensurate with his influence.

Infantino argued that by driving record revenues and funds for member associations, he had proven himself worthy of the salary. Infantino's ties to Trump appear to elevate his status further. Many people in the world of football feel that this is starting to impact their responsibilities in football. In May 2025, Infantino was on a diplomatic tour of the Middle East with Trump and arrived two hours late for the FIFA Congress in Paraguay. UEFA accused Infantino of prioritizing "personal political interests" and staging a walk-out.

Despite the controversy surrounding it, Infantino is expected to be re-elected, given the support he has in various member associations. Before the World Cup, 111 had expressed their support, enough to warrant re-election. However, now the picture has become uncertain amid the fallout from FIFA's failed private investment plans. UEFA sees this moment as an opportunity to force him to step down, but, as his presence at the Colombian presidential inauguration showed, achieving this may be very difficult.

What happened next

Infantino is expected to continue working to improve its image and overcome negative reactions to its controversial plans. With the FIFA U-20 World Cup about to start, pressure from UEFA to boycott the FIFA tournament may only increase. Success or failure in managing this situation can determine the direction of his future leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened when Gianni Infantino arrived in Cali?

Gianni Infantino arrived in Cali and was greeted by the president of the Colombian Football Federation, Ramon Jesurun, to celebrate the inauguration of Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella.

Who confirmed support for Gianni Infantino?

Alejandro Dominguez, president of Conmebol, confirmed support for Gianni Infantino and praised his track record.

Why is Gianni Infantino present in Colombia at this time?

Infantino was present to celebrate the inauguration of Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella.

What changes is Gianni Infantino facing at the moment?

Infantino is facing backlash over its plans to sell part of its World Cup holdings to a private equity firm and is trying to return to normal after apologizing.

What threats still exist to FIFA?

UEFA's threat to boycott the FIFA tournament remains and will be tested with the start of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland in the next 29 days.

Gianni Infantino: Politicians, Private Jets and Power - Life