Gianni Infantino has been re-elected president of the world football governing body, FIFA during the 73rd Congress in Kigali.
Following his re-election by acclamation, the 52-year-old Swiss promised record revenues of $US11 billion in the next four-year cycle. He also called for more football to be played around the world.
Infantino stood unopposed during Thursday’s re-election bid and was only going to win it.
“It is an incredible honour and privilege, and a great responsibility,” Infantino said. “I promise to continue serving FIFA and football around the world.
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“To those that love me, and I know there are many, and those who hate me… I love you all.”
Just as he was re-elected, Infantino confirmed FIFA’s income hit record levels in the last cycle from 2019-22.
He however promised to considerably raise this again with the introduction of a 32-team Club World Cup and the expansion of the men’s and women’s World Cup tournaments.
“Revenues rose to a record $US7.5 billion (to 2022) in a period that was hit by COVID-19. When I arrived, FIFA reserves stood at around $US1 billion, today they are at almost $US4 billion,” Infantino said.
“We promise new record revenues for the next cycle of $US11 billion, and the new Club World Cup is not included in that figure, so it could increase by a couple of billion (more).”
Infantini also promises transparency and evolution of government
The football governing chief said FIFA would continue to review the transfer system to “improve transparency” and suggested the organisation might discuss a salary cap.
“We must improve our regulations and the FIFA statues. We will continue to evolve our good governance principles and look at the transfer system, and maybe have a discussion to improve transparency of transfer fees and salaries.
“It might be necessary to introduce a cap, we have to think how we can do that. We will look at it with all stakeholders and see what we can do.”
Infantino was first elected in an Extraordinary Congress in 2016 following the resignation of his predecessor Sepp Blatter, and retained his position unopposed three years later.
However, with Infantino being re-elected FIFA President now, it means this will only count as his second term and will therefore be available for a third and final term in four years’ time.
“… the institutions have regained their trust in FIFA”
Infantino also indicated that FIFA had cleaned up its act with regards to governance.
“Every single dollar that is being invested in projects and associations will undergo an independent audit. Money just doesn’t get lost any more.
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“That is why the institutions have regained their trust in FIFA. The Department of Justice of the United States has given us more than $200 million back that was stolen by corrupt officials. We have re-invested that in football.”
Indeed, player welfare groups have questioned FIFA’s reason(s) for the expansion of the men’s World Cup from 64 to 104 games, but Infantino stated that “in most parts of the world there is not enough football played.”
“We need way more and not less competitions, we want football to develop worldwide.
“We are discussing organising a women’s Club World Cup and a FIFA World Series in March every two years, when teams are free from playing qualifiers.”
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