According to revelations from “Le Monde” and “New York Times”, the world football body would have taken responsibility for the American taxes of its president, Gianni Infantino, for the years 2024, 2025 and 2026. A small tax payment estimated at nearly 4 million $, or around 3.6 million euros.
Everything would have been decided in May 2024, during a small meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. As the 2026 World Cup approached, organized in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Gianni Infantino left Switzerland, where Fifa headquarters is located, to settle in Miami. A change of scenery which was not without consequences on his tax form: the American tax system, and in particular Florida, would have reserved a higher bill for him.
It was then that Bruno Chiomento, a Swiss accountant and friend of Infantino for more than twenty years, suggested a solution that was accommodating to say the least: having FIFA cover this “additional tax burden until 2026”. A proposal which would therefore have been implemented.
A measure reserved for employees, not elected officials
FIFA ensures that the remuneration and benefits of its senior executives, including its president Gianni Infantino, are determined by its independent remuneration subcommittee, in accordance with article 43.13 of its statutes. It asserts that its internal rules and processes, as well as applicable laws, have been respected, and that reporting and tax obligations are met.
The body also says it “rigorously” applies its governance framework to remuneration and the use of external service providers, as well as to the management of its guests. She “firmly rejects” any accusation of breaching these rules, while saying she welcomes a “legitimate examination”. FIFA warns, however, that it will challenge “directly and vigorously” any information it considers to be inaccurate, misleading or completely false.
