Brief

FIFA says Times apology proves coordinated effort to undermine Infantino

FIFA accepted The Times' correction of a story that alleged Gianni Infantino received an undeclared second salary and used it to warn against false reporting.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 21 Oct 2026 11:58:11 GMT

FIFA confirmed it had received an apology from The Times for a story that incorrectly claimed President Gianni Infantino was paid an undeclared second salary. The governing body said the correction highlighted a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine both FIFA and its president.

What happened

The Times published a report on 13 October 2026 stating Infantino received a "second salary" from FIFA that was not disclosed in the organisation's accounts. The article also alleged Infantino bought a Miami property at an undervalue and that his family controlled a company called Shadi LLC. After the story was challenged, The Times removed the claims and issued an apology to FIFA and Infantino.

What the reports add

FIFA’s official X account quoted the newspaper’s apology, noting that Swiss reporting rules do not treat expenses and reimbursements as compensation and therefore they are not required in FIFA’s annual report. The statement also rejected the property allegation, saying Infantino and his family are not legal or beneficial owners of Shadi LLC.

What was said

FIFA said: “FIFA takes note of an apology published today by The Times following an inaccurate and damaging report… There was no ‘second salary.’ Regulations do not require FIFA to include expenses and reimbursements received by Mr Infantino in its annual report as they are not considered ‘compensation’ under Swiss reporting requirements.” The organisation added that it “urges the media to act responsibly and carefully verify all sourcing to prevent the publication and subsequent reproduction of false and defamatory information.”

How it came about

The apology arrived amid broader scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership, including criticism of a proposal to sell World Cup stakes to private investors and calls from UEFA and other bodies for his resignation. Earlier this month, Felo News reported on challenges to Infantino’s presidency, including a potential challenger from Arsène Wenger and a bid by former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega.

Key facts

The Times apologized for falsely reporting that Gianni Infantino received a second salary from FIFA. (independent.co.uk)
FIFA said Swiss reporting rules do not require expenses and reimbursements to be listed as compensation. (independent.co.uk)
FIFA warned media to verify sources after describing the false report as part of a coordinated effort to undermine the organisation. (independent.co.uk)