FIFA allegedly covered Gianni Infantino’s taxes worth 4 million dollars

Gianni Infantino reportedly benefited from a tax advantage estimated at approximately $4 million, paid by FIFA for the period during which he relocated to Miami to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, according to The New York Times. The measure was approved in 2024 by a small committee that sets the compensation of the federation’s senior officials.

FIFA introduced the tax equalization mechanism to prevent employees relocated to the United States from being financially advantaged or disadvantaged. According to published reports, the mechanism was intended to apply to federation employees, but not to its officials. The decision regarding Infantino was not included in FIFA’s official documents, raising questions about its basis.

Bruno Chiomento, chairman of FIFA’s Independent Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee and Infantino’s friend of approximately 20 years, was reportedly involved in discussions about the benefit. Chiomento also received special benefits: a VIP pass to the World Cup and an annual salary of 250,000 Swiss francs.

The revelations come ahead of the FIFA presidential election on March 18 in Vancouver. Infantino is running for a fourth term and is, so far, the only announced candidate. His position at the head of the federation has also been affected by the failure of a plan to sell broadcasting rights to private investors, a project opposed in part through threats of a boycott in Europe.