Infantino wins FIFA re-election and sees salary cap, more games
Gianni Infantino was re-elected as FIFA president in Rwanda on Thursday. The news isn’t much of a surprise, as the 52-year-old Swiss football official ran unopposed. He will now remain at the helm of the sport’s world governing body until 2027.
In Infantino’s re-election speech, the FIFA boss bizarrely compared his 2016 run for president to how the Rwandan people were recovering from the genocide of 1994. Infantino also referred to FIFA’s record earnings during his tenure, even mentioning people who “hated” him.
“It’s an incredible honor and privilege, and a great responsibility,” said Infantino. “I promise to continue to serve FIFA and football around the world. To those who love me, and I know there are many, and those who hate me… I love you all.”
“Revenues rose to a record $7.5 billion [in 2022] during a period affected by COVID-19. When I arrived FIFA reserves were about $1 billion, today they are almost $4 billion,” Infantino stated.
“We are promising new record revenues for the next cycle of $11 billion and the new Club World Cup is not included in that figure, so it could go up by a few billion.” [more].”
More football matches possible ahead of schedule
Speaking on the subject of revenue, Infantino also fought back against claims that there are too many matches worldwide. Many players and players’ associations oppose extensive international and club tournaments. Still, FIFA, under Infantino, wants more matches.
“When I hear that there is too much football, yes, maybe in some places, but not everywhere.” mention Infantino.
“In fact, football is not played enough in most parts of the world. We need a lot more and not less competitions, we want football to develop globally. We are discussing organizing a Women’s Club World Cup and a FIFA World Series in March every two years, when teams are free from playing qualifiers.”
Infantino in FIFA re-election speech: Salary cap may be ‘necessary’
The re-elected FIFA president even suggested that a salary cap is possible in sport. “We will continue to develop our principles of good governance and look at the transfer system and perhaps have a discussion to improve the transparency of transfer fees and salaries.” continued Infantino.
“Perhaps it is necessary to enter a cap. We need to think about how we can do that. We will look at what we can do with everyone involved.”
Most American sports currently have a salary cap in top leagues. This controls how much each team can spend on player wages. Perhaps Infantino is looking to the United States for inspiration as he vows to grow the game in the country.
PHOTO: IMAGO/ANP
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