Infantino came to wider public attention, and attracted further criticism, during this summer’s World Cup, which was staged in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
The tournament made headlines before a ball was kicked, with visas to the United States delayed – and even denied – for supporters, coaching staff and officials.
In May, Iran’s base for the tournament was moved to Mexico after the US made it clear it did not want to host the team because of political tensions between the two nations.
That was followed by Somali referee Omar Artan, one of 52 officials appointed to work at the tournament, being refused entry when he arrived at Miami International Airport.
Fifa refused to intervene on Artan’s behalf, saying it was “not involved in the host country’s immigration process”.
When the football did eventually begin, Infantino’s relationship with Trump was thrust into the spotlight when the US President asked Fifa to overturn Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension.
USA forward Balogun was sent off during the lat-32 tie against Bosnia-Herzegovina but was cleared to feature in the next round after an unprecedented intervention from Trump, which drew widespread criticism.
The fallout from the World Cup continued earlier this week as Fifa opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over its behaviour after the final defeat by Spain and throughout the tournament.
On Wednesday, meanwhile, Infantino offered all 211 of Fifa’s member associations $40m (£30m) if they backed his controversial plans to sell off stakes in the organisation’s major competitions – including the World Cup.
The plans, which have prompted Uefa nations to agree to boycott all future Fifa competitions if the proposal is passed, would see Fifa create a commercial subsidiary to run its main events. External investors would then be able to buy stakes in the company.
Despite the controversies, one fact remains: there is still no meaningful opposition to Infantino.
While the 55-year-old may face criticism in Europe, for the rest of the world he has made a clear difference. Yes, it is about money. But money for football.
He has enriched some of the poorest and smallest footballing nations, proving funding through infrastructure and development.
Infantino has been true to his word that Fifa would be transparent – publishing the salaries of all top executives and keeping funds within football.
After being re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023, he is approaching another election year in 2027.
Infantino will be able to stand again, even though Fifa statutes limit the president to a maximum of three terms.
Almost half of the 211 votes are held by Asia and Africa – two regions that have benefited from the hugely increased finances.
A version of this article was first published in February 2026
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