FIFA calls Infantino correction part of undermining effort
The Times withdrew reports about an alleged second salary and a property deal, and apologised.
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The Times has apologised to FIFA president Gianni Infantino for inaccurate claims about a second salary and a home in Miami. FIFA is using the correction to warn again about what the organisation calls a coordinated attempt to undermine Infantino and world football’s governing body.
The Times previously reported that Infantino received an undisclosed second salary from FIFA alongside his regular remuneration. The correction states that there was no second salary and that allowances and reimbursements did not have to be recorded as remuneration under Swiss accounting rules.
The newspaper also withdrew its claim that Infantino had bought a home in Miami below market value. The Times further wrote that Infantino or his family owned or had an effective controlling interest in Shadi LLC. That claim too was withdrawn, with apologies to Infantino and FIFA.
FIFA says it accepts the apology, but states that the correction is part of a broader, ongoing attempt to damage the president and the organisation. The governing body says it welcomes legitimate journalistic scrutiny, but, according to the statement, rejects reporting that is inaccurate or misleading.
That does not mean all criticism of FIFA’s leadership has disappeared. Infantino is also under fire over earlier plans to attract private investors for commercial interests surrounding the World Cup. According to The Independent, he therefore remains subject to scrutiny and debate within international football.
Earlier this month, FIFA reported that it was setting up a working group to examine its own governance. The governing body also said at the time that a controversial proposal for a new investment structure had been withdrawn. The earlier step concerns the governance structure; the withdrawn reporting concerns the alleged second salary and the property issue.
For the sporting world, the case is chiefly relevant because it shows how reputation, oversight and commercial control intersect within an international sports federation. The correction removes the inaccurate allegations, but in itself is not a judgement on the broader criticism of FIFA’s governance.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The Times withdrew multiple claims about Infantino and apologised.
- FIFA says it accepts the apology and calls the earlier reporting inaccurate and damaging.
- A governance working group was previously announced within FIFA and an investment proposal was withdrawn.
Left
Arguments An international sports federation with major commercial interests must demonstrate maximum transparency. Corrections are necessary, but do not remove the need for independent oversight of governance and financial flows.
Values Dispersal of power, public accountability and protection against conflicts of interest.
Consequences Stronger external oversight could increase trust, but could make decision-making within a global federation slower.
Centre
Arguments FIFA must be able to defend itself against demonstrably inaccurate publications, while journalistic investigation into governance and finances must continue. The right course is independent verification and a clear distinction between correction and broader criticism.
Values Accuracy, the right of reply and institutional continuity.
Consequences The correction may repair some of the reputational damage, but leaves the debate about governance and commercial plans in place.
Right
Arguments Inaccurate allegations can unfairly damage an international organisation and its president. Media must set high standards for sources before publishing personal and financial allegations.
Values Legal protection, reputation and responsibility for public claims.
Consequences Stricter source checks can limit reputational damage, but must not lead to a climate in which legitimate criticism is discouraged.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The Times’ withdrawal and apology have been confirmed by multiple public sources. FIFA’s broader allegation of an undermining effort is correctly attributed to FIFA and is not presented as an independently proven fact.
- confirmed The Times apologised for reporting about an alleged second salary for Infantino. — The Independent and TUDN describe the correction and apology. source
- confirmed The Times also withdrew claims about a home in Miami and Shadi LLC. — The published correction text is reproduced by The Independent. source
- confirmed FIFA calls the correction part of a broader attempt to undermine Infantino and FIFA. — This is the explicit characterisation in FIFA’s statement, clearly described as FIFA’s position. source
- confirmed FIFA previously established a working group for governance reforms and withdrew an investment proposal. — This is stated in FIFA’s report on the council meeting of 15 October. source
Editor's note
It is certain that The Times withdrew multiple claims and apologised. FIFA’s characterisation of this as a ‘coordinated attempt’ is FIFA’s interpretation and is not presented as an independently established fact.Sources
- Fifa call out ‘concerted effort to undermine’ Gianni Infantino after apology from The Times — The Independent
- FIFA President calls for unity at Council meeting and stresses commitment to serving FIFA Member Associations — FIFA
- FIFA recibe disculpas por información incorrecta sobre Gianni Infantino — TUDN
More on this in Dutch media
- NRC — „fifa gianni infantino”
- NU.nl — „fifa gianni infantino”
- De Telegraaf — „fifa gianni infantino”