Gianni Infantino was re-elected as FIFA president during the 73rd Congress in Kigali on Thursday. He made a record revenue pledge of $11 billion (€10.37 billion) over the following four years. And called for football games around the globe.
Infantino faced no opposition, which made his re-election as the head of football’s ruling body a formality.
Nevertheless, some member associations do not necessarily view Infantino favorably for a variety of reasons. Including his support for the failed proposal of the World Cup to be held every two years.
What Did Infantino Say About The Growth Plan?
“It is an incredible honour and privilege, and a great responsibility,” Infantino said.
“I promise to continue serving FIFA and football around the world.
“To those that love me, and I know there are many, and those who hate me… I love you all.”
Infantino acknowledged that FIFA’s revenue reached new highs in the previous cycle of 2019–22. But he pledged to significantly increase it once more.
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As a result of the expansion of the men’s and women’s World Cup competitions and the incorporation of a 32-team Club World Cup.
“Revenues rose to a record $7.5 billion [€7 billion, to 2022] in a period that was hit by Covid-19. When I arrived, FIFA reserves stood at around $1 billion [€940m]. Today they are at almost $4 billion [€3.7 billion],” Infantino said.
“We promise 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 increase by a couple of billion [more].”
Following Sepp Blatter’s departure in 2016, Infantino was first elected in an Extraordinary Congress. And he was re-elected without opposition three years later.
But since this is technically his second tenure, he will be eligible for a third and final term in four years.
A clearly emotional Gianni Infantino thanks the FIFA Congress after his re-election as FIFA President pic.twitter.com/SBIcNW3fWk
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 5, 2019
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