Gianni Infantino - 10 years as Fifa president
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Gianni Infantino’s decade as FIFA president has been marked by significant reforms, expansion, and controversy. When he took office in 2016, FIFA was reeling from corruption scandals that led to the resignation of Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini. Infantino inherited a organization on the brink, with financial struggles and credibility issues. However, under his leadership, FIFA has regained stability, with projected revenues hitting record levels. Despite facing criticism from players' unions and European football bodies, Infantino’s position remains secure.
Infantino’s rise to power was unexpected. Originally seen as a lesser-known figure compared to Platini, he capitalized on the scandals surrounding his predecessors. His election was close, but he emerged victorious after reallocated votes. During his tenure, he pushed for major changes, including doubling development funding for member associations and expanding the World Cup to 48 teams. These moves were aimed at revitalizing football globally, particularly in smaller nations.
One of Infantino’s most controversial decisions was the expansion of the Club World Cup and its shift to a summer schedule, which clashed with player welfare concerns. He also faced backlash over the unique World Cup allocations for 2030 and 2034, favoring joint hosting across continents. Despite these criticisms, FIFA’s finances have rebounded, and Infantino has solidified his legacy as a transformative leader.
Infantino’s story matters because it highlights the challenges of leading a global sports organization through crisis and reform. His leadership has shaped FIFA’s future, influencing how football is governed and expanded worldwide. Whether readers follow football closely or not, understanding Infantino’s impact provides insight into the broader dynamics of international sports governance and its influence on global culture.
This summary captures the essence of Infantino’s presidency, his achievements, and the controversies that have defined his tenure. It underscores why this matters to readers interested in global politics, sports governance, and the evolution of football as a global phenomenon.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026