FIFA facing allegations of corruption, abuse of power

SPORTS

14 JUNE 2026

About FIFA

• The FIFA is the global governing body of football and organizer of the FIFA World Cup.
• Founded in 1904 in Paris with 7 member nations.
• Membership has grown to 211 associations, more than the United Nations.
• The World Cup began in 1930 with 13 teams and has expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches.

Growth of FIFA

• FIFA organized Olympic football under Jules Rimet, whose success led to the creation of the World Cup.
• The first World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930.
• FIFA has become one of the wealthiest sports organizations, with reserves of about $2.69 billion (2025).

Concentration of Power

• FIFA presidents enjoy significant authority and can serve up to three four-year terms.
• Long-serving presidents include:
  • Jules Rimet (33 years)
  • Stanley Rous (12+ years)
  • João Havelange (24+ years)
  • Sepp Blatter (17+ years)
  • Gianni Infantino (since 2016)

Major Criticisms

• FIFA presidents have often developed close ties with political leaders and authoritarian regimes.
• FIFA’s financial aid to member nations has sometimes been criticized as a tool for securing votes.
• Controversial World Cups:
  • 1934 in Italy under Benito Mussolini.
  • 1978 in Argentina under Jorge Rafael Videla.
• Corruption scandals surrounded the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

Criticism of Gianni Infantino

• Came to power promising reforms after the Blatter-era scandals.
• Has been criticized for close relations with Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
• Supported a major Saudi sponsorship deal while Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 World Cup.
• Seeks an interpretation of term-limit rules that could allow him to remain president beyond 2027.

Immigration and Human Rights Concerns

• FIFA has faced criticism for not strongly opposing immigration restrictions affecting fans, officials, and players.
• The denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan became a notable example.

Expansion of FIFA Competitions

• World Cup expanded from 32 to 48 teams.
• FIFA Club World Cup expanded from 7 to 32 teams, increasing FIFA’s influence and revenues.
• Concerns exist about player workload and commercialization of the sport.

Core Issue

• FIFA faces a fundamental conflict: It is expected to be the neutral guardian and regulator of football.
• At the same time, it depends on selling tournaments and generating revenue.
• Critics argue that FIFA’s growing financial and political interests make it difficult for the organization to remain completely impartial—raising the question of whether a body can effectively regulate a sport while also profiting from it.