Infantino stood unopposed, making his re-election as head of football’s governing body a formality, even if he was not universally popular among member associations amid controversies including the treatment of migrant workers in the run-up to last year’s World Cup in Qatar and a failed plan to play the tournament. every two years.
“It’s an incredible honor and privilege, and a huge responsibility,” Infantino said. “I promise to continue to serve FIFA and football around the world.
“To those who love me, which I know there are many, and to those who hate me… I love you all.”
Infantino confirmed that FIFA’s income hit record highs in the last cycle of 2019-22, but promised to raise that significantly again on the back of expanded men’s and women’s World Cup tournaments and the introduction of 32 teams for the Club World Cup.
“Revenues rose to a record high of $7.5 billion (until 2022) in the period hit by COVID-19. When it arrived, FIFA’s reserves were around $1 billion, today they are around $4 billion,” said Infantino.
“We are promising a new record revenue for the next cycle of $11 billion, and the new Club World Cup is not included in this figure, so it could increase by two billion (more).”
Infantino said FIFA would continue to review the transfer system to “improve transparency” and suggested the organization discuss a salary cap.
“We must improve our bylaws and FIFA’s statutes. We will continue to develop our principles of good governance and look at the transfer system, and possibly hold a discussion to improve the transparency of transfer fees and salaries.
“It may be necessary to introduce a cap, we have to think about how we can do that. We will look at it with all stakeholders and see what we can do.”
He indicated that FIFA had cleaned up its act in terms of governance.
“Every dollar invested in projects and associations will be subject to independent review. Money will no longer be wasted.”
“This is why institutions have restored their trust in FIFA. The US Department of Justice has returned to us more than $200 million stolen by corrupt officials. We have reinvested that in football.”
Players’ sponsorship groups have questioned FIFA’s decision to expand the men’s World Cup from 64 to 104 matches, but Infantino says more football needs to be played around the world.
“When I hear there is too much football, yes, maybe in some places, but not everywhere. In fact, in most parts of the world there is not enough football.
“We need more tournaments, not fewer, we want football to develop around the world.
“We are discussing organizing the Women’s Club World Cup and the FIFA World Championship in March every two years, when teams are free to participate in the qualifiers.”
Infantino was first elected to the Extraordinary Congress in 2016 after the resignation of his predecessor, Sepp Blatter, and retained his position unopposed three years later.
But this is considered his second term, and therefore he will be available for a third and final term in four years.