Infantino: Fresh FIFA scandal erupts over £185m unpaid bill
A new controversy has surfaced within FIFA as the governing body of global football grapples with the potential cancellation of the FIFA Club World Cup due to an outstanding debt of £185 million.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing significant criticism following the recent World Cup, prompting him to reverse a decision regarding private investment in FIFA tournaments amid mounting pressure from the football community. The backlash has intensified to the point where UEFA is actively calling for Infantino’s immediate resignation.
One of the key issues he faces involves the expanded Club World Cup, a concept Infantino has advocated since his election as FIFA president in 2016. The inaugural edition of this expanded tournament, which included 32 teams, is scheduled to take place in 2025 in the United States.
To support the event, DAZN purchased the broadcast rights for £740 million. The deal was further bolstered when a company owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund acquired a stake in the broadcaster, as reported by Express Sport.
However, frustration is mounting as some of the promised prize money to clubs remains unpaid. While funds earned by participating clubs were disbursed, the £185 million allocated for solidarity payments to clubs that did not compete in the 2025 tournament is still outstanding. This initiative was designed to distribute a portion of the event’s revenue throughout the broader football community, with an initial plan to provide £50,000 to every top-flight club worldwide. Currently, there is no sign that these payments will be made.
Further complications loom as preparations for the 2029 edition of the tournament are underway, with no confirmed host and ongoing negotiations between FIFA and main European clubs regarding their participation in future events.
Several countries have expressed interest in hosting the competition, which transitioned to a four-year format last year. Australia and New Zealand, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, and England are among those considering bids. However, Qatar and the United States are viewed as the leading candidates, with FIFA reportedly inclined to offer the event to Qatar in an effort to promote the growth of football in North America.
