Since taking the reins as FIFA President in February 2016, Gianni Infantino has emerged as one of the most transformative figures in the modern history of world football. Born on March 23, 1970, in Brig, Switzerland, to Italian parents, Infantino grew up immersed in the cultures of two football-loving nations. This upbringing would go on to shape his vision for the beautiful game.
Before becoming the head of FIFA, Infantino built a formidable reputation as a football administrator. As UEFA’s General Secretary, he was instrumental in expanding club competitions and improving financial regulations across European football. But his biggest leap came when he stepped into the spotlight to clean up and reform an organisation that, at the time, was marred by scandal and corruption. 
A New Era of Transparency and Expansion
Infantino’s appointment marked a shift in tone and priorities for FIFA. One of his first and most publicised reforms was increasing transparency within the organisation. Under his leadership, FIFA implemented new governance structures, term limits for senior officials, and enhanced financial disclosure measures. These changes were vital in restoring FIFA’s damaged credibility and ensuring the long-term sustainability of global football governance.
However, Infantino’s real revolution has been felt in how football is played and shared globally. His landmark decision to expand the FIFA World Cup from 32 to 48 teams—starting from the 2026 edition—has sparked both praise and debate. For Infantino, it is a step toward inclusivity and growth. By allowing more nations to participate on the world’s biggest stage, he believes the game is truly becoming global. He aims to give developing football nations a realistic shot at international glory and exposure.
Investing in Football Development Worldwide
One of Infantino’s key philosophies has been that football should be for everyone, not just the elite. Under his leadership, FIFA significantly increased its investment in football development, particularly in underserved regions like Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Through the FIFA Forward Programme, billions of dollars have been allocated to national football associations to improve infrastructure, grassroots initiatives, and youth development.
These investments have led to real results: better training facilities, improved youth academies, and more competitive national leagues. For Infantino, every child—whether in a city in South America or a village in Africa—should have the same opportunity to dream big with a ball at their feet.
Breaking New Ground in Women’s Football
Another area where Infantino has made substantial strides is in women’s football. Under his presidency, the FIFA Women’s World Cup has grown in both size and stature. The 2023 edition in Australia and New Zealand became the biggest and most-watched tournament yet. FIFA has also committed to equal opportunities and increased prize money. The aim, to narrow the financial gap between the men’s and women’s games.
Infantino has frequently stated that the future of football includes women at every level, from grassroots to governance. His actions have laid the groundwork for a more equitable future.
Embracing Innovation
Infantino’s era has also been marked by a willingness to embrace technology and modernisation. The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at FIFA competitions, beginning with the 2018 World Cup in Russia, was a groundbreaking moment. While controversial at times, VAR has become a staple in modern football, aiding referees in making crucial decisions with more accuracy.
He has also supported the use of advanced data analytics, semi-automated offside detection, and other innovations aimed at increasing fairness and clarity in officiating.
Infantino’s Vision for Global Competitions
Infantino envisions FIFA as not just a governing body, but as a unifying global movement. In line with this vision, the FIFA Club World Cup is set to undergo a significant expansion, with a new 32-team format debuting in 2025. This is designed to give clubs from all continents a greater stage, rather than leaving global glory primarily in the hands of European powerhouses.
Infantino’s push for continental representation in key FIFA decisions, greater commercial opportunities for smaller federations, and rotating the World Cup between continents all point to a world where football is not just dominated by a few countries, but enriched by the diversity of many.
Infantino Redefining the Club World Stage
One of Gianni Infantino’s boldest innovations has been the complete reimagining of the FIFA Club World Cup. Long seen as a minor postscript to the club season, the tournament previously featured only seven teams and garnered limited global attention. Under Infantino’s leadership, however, that narrative is changing dramatically.
The expanded FIFA Club World Cup—whose inaugural edition is currently underway—marks a historic moment for global club football. Now featuring 32 teams and structured similarly to the FIFA World Cup, the new format brings together champions and top performers from every continent, turning the once modest tournament into a true global spectacle. With matches like Inter Miami vs Al Ahly ending in a tense 0-0 draw, Bayern Munich thumping Auckland City 10-0, and PSG beating Atlético Madrid 4-0, the tournament is already delivering high drama and elite competition.
Infantino envisions the new Club World Cup as a stage for clubs outside Europe to prove themselves against traditional powerhouses. It’s also a way to extend club football’s reach into markets where top-flight domestic competitions are still developing. With global fanbases and media attention now fully focused, the tournament promises to become a permanent fixture on the international calendar.
In line with this revamp, the former Club World Cup format—the seven-team event held annually—has been renamed the Intercontinental Cup. This branding pays homage to the historic clash between European and South American club champions, while now also serving as a streamlined competition that still connects the globe’s top teams outside the quadrennial expanded tournament.
Infantino’s overhaul of club football at the global level is part of a broader strategy: to globalise elite competition, create fresh revenue opportunities, and ensure that clubs from every continent can dream as big as their European counterparts. As the current tournament unfolds, it’s clear that the Infantino era is not just about reshaping international football—but about rewriting the club game too.
Financial Windfall: How Clubs Stand to Profit
Under Gianni Infantino’s revamped format, the financial stakes of the Club World Cup have skyrocketed—transforming it from a financial sideshow into one of the most lucrative club competitions globally.
1. Massive Total Prize Pool
- FIFA has set aside an astonishing US $1 billion for participating clubs, with an additional US $250 million earmarked for solidarity payments to non-participants.
- This makes the tournament one of the richest in football, rivalling the Champions League.
2. Guaranteed Participation Fees
Every club receives a base participation payment, varying by region:
- Europe: $12.81–38.19 million
- South America: $15.21 million
- Africa, Asia & Concacaf: $9.55 million
- Oceania: $3.58 million
Thus, even an early exit secures clubs a multimillion-dollar payday.
3. Performance Bonuses
Clubs can earn significantly more through sporting success:
- Group-stage win: + $2 million
- Group-stage draw: + $1 million
- Round of 16 qualification: + $7.5 million
- Quarter-final: + $13.125 million
- Semi-final: + $21 million
- Runners-up: + $30 million
- Champion: + $40 million
A club winning all seven matches (incl. knockouts) could amass ~$125 million in total earnings.
4. Impact for Clubs Big and Small
- Elite clubs (e.g. Real Madrid, Bayern, Man City) are looking at tens of millions extra—potentially $60–90 million each in combined fees and performance bonuses.
- Mid-tier and developing clubs benefit from the structural tiered payments—African or Asian participants get a guaranteed ~$9.55 million, plus what they earn on the pitch.
As one Reddit fan noted, “This is so huge… incentivizes clubs like Auckland City and Wydad AC, but also Man City and Real Madrid.”
5. Broader Economic Benefits
- The solidarity fund (min. $250 million) redistributes resources to clubs globally, supporting grassroots and infrastructure—extending the tournament’s financial impact beyond its participants.
- For clubs like Bayern Munich, this cash injection can fuel transfers and bolster budgets—reports say they’re expecting to use Club World Cup revenue to fund summer signings.
Summary Table (Potential Earnings)
| Club Type | Participation Fee | Max Performance Bonus | Total ROI Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top European Clubs | ~$38 M | ~$40 M | Up to ~$125 M |
| South American Teams | ~$15 M | Varies | ~$60–80 M+ |
| African/Asian Clubs | ~$9.5 M | Varies | ~$30–50 M+ |
| Oceania (e.g., Auckland City) | ~$3.6 M | Varies | Significant for region |
In short, Infantino’s financial overhaul ensures this Club World Cup is more than a trophy chase—it’s a transformative revenue lifeline for clubs across the footballing spectrum.
Legacy and Criticism
Of course, no presidency is without controversy. Infantino has faced scrutiny over human rights concerns related to tournament hosts, political comments during events, and the logistics of expanded competitions. Yet, even his critics acknowledge that he has been a dynamic and determined leader—unafraid to challenge the status quo in pursuit of a broader footballing vision.
Gianni Infantino’s presidency has undoubtedly reshaped the landscape of world football. Through structural reforms, global expansion, technological innovation, and inclusive investment, he has pushed FIFA into a new era—one that aims to make football truly global, fair, and future-ready.
Whether one agrees with all of his policies or not, one thing is clear: Gianni Infantino has not simply maintained FIFA; he has redefined its purpose in the 21st century.
