Politicians, private jets and power – the life of a Fifa president
From Private Jets to Political Alliances: Inside the World of a FIFA President
Ninoda.com – Gianni Infantino touched down in Cali on Friday, not for a routine football meeting, but to witness a historic moment. The FIFA president was welcomed on the tarmac by Ramon Jesurun, head of the Colombian Football Federation and a steadfast ally. The pair shared a warm smile for federation photographers, capturing a moment of solidarity. Infantino's presence marked the inauguration ceremony for Abelardo de la Espriella, Colombia's newly elected president.
Accompanying him was Alejandro Dominguez, president of Conmebol, South America's football governing body. Dominguez voiced strong backing for Infantino, praising both his leadership and what he called the "enormously successful" 2026 World Cup. "We stand with Gianni," he declared.
The Presidential Lifestyle
Life as FIFA's leader demands more than administrative duties. It requires cultivating relationships with global power brokers—a role Infantino has embraced, particularly through his connection with former US President Donald Trump. A procession of blacked-out Mercedes vehicles, escorted by police, recently arrived at FIFA's Rabat headquarters in Morocco. Infantino had convened select board members there to discuss his proposal to divest 21% of the commercial and ticketing operations to private equity investors.
The Swiss-Italian executive travels in style, utilizing a Qatar Airways Executive jet reserved exclusively for him. During the 2026 World Cup, this aircraft allowed him to complete up to three flights daily while attending multiple matches. Such an arrival pattern resembles that of a head of state rather than a sports administrator. This mobility enables him to visit FIFA's official offices worldwide, including Rabat, where he remained for a week amid the Fifa Forward Enterprise controversy.
His responsibilities extend beyond Zurich's headquarters. Infantino must travel to all 211 member nations to inspect grassroots initiatives funded by FIFA. Unifying global football requires presence at confederation gatherings and international tournaments—not merely oversight from an office.
Motorcades, Salaries, and Scrutiny
Building political relationships has not always been smooth. Prior to the Vancouver FIFA Congress in April, local officials turned down a request for a level-four motorcade, typically reserved for heads of state or the Pope. New Zealand police issued a similar rejection during the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Alongside luxury transport comes substantial compensation. Infantino's current earnings represent triple his original salary since election in 2016. Ten years ago, he received approximately £1.3 million annually. Today, he takes home roughly £4 million—comprising a £2.2 million base salary plus a confirmed £1.8 million variable bonus. His predecessor, Sepp Blatter, earned a £2.6 million package during his final year. Additionally, Infantino receives a £20,500 annual per diem covering expenses and living costs.
As leader of the world's most popular sport, such remuneration seems fitting. Infantino maintains that record revenue growth and increased funding for member associations justify his compensation.
Challenges and Resilience
Infantino's alliance with Trump elevated his international profile, though some in football believed this came at the cost of his sporting responsibilities. In May 2025, he joined Trump on a Middle East diplomatic tour and arrived two hours late for the FIFA Congress in Paraguay. UEFA subsequently accused Infantino of prioritizing political engagements over football duties.
Before the Fifa Forward Enterprise scandal—the most significant challenge of his tenure—Infantino appeared virtually untouchable. The controversial plan to sell a portion of the men's World Cup to private equity firms required an apology and demonstrated his determination to weather criticism. Now, he seeks to restore normal operations, though obstacles remain. UEFA's threat to boycott FIFA tournaments persists, with a critical test coming in 29 days when the Under-20 World Cup begins in Poland.
Perhaps encouraged by support from non-European nations in recent days, Infantino shows no intention of stepping down. The question remains: what does the role of FIFA president truly entail? For now, it appears business continues as usual.
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