FIFA
Media Release

Fédération Internationale de Football Association

FIFA Strasse 20, P.O Box 8044 Zurich, Switzerland, +41 (0) 43 222 7777

Wednesday 21 October 2026, 09:30

FIFA & FIFA President receives apology from ‘The Times’

The FIFA logo is seen at the headquarters of the Football's world governing body on July 17, 2012 in Zurich. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

FIFA takes note of an apology published today by The Times following an inaccurate and damaging report: On 13 October 2026 (Sport), we reported that Gianni Infantino received a "second salary" from Fifa, which Fifa had failed to disclose. This is incorrect. There was no “second salary.” Regulations do not require Fifa to include expenses and reimbursements received by Mr Infantino in its annual report as they are not considered "compensation" under Swiss reporting requirements. We also accept Mr Infantino did not purchase a property in Miami at a suspected undervalue as we reported and neither he nor his family are the legal or beneficial owners of Shadi LLC and have no control over that company, as we suggested. We are happy to make these corrections and apologise to Mr Infantino and Fifa for the errors. As FIFA stated in August, it is evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President. FIFA urges the media to act responsibly and carefully verify all sourcing to prevent the publication and subsequent reproduction of false and defamatory information. FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny. But scrutiny is not a license to amplify false allegations. Where reporting is inaccurate, misleading, or totally false, as in this case, FIFA will continue to challenge it directly and vigorously.