Media Apology: The Times apologize to FIFA
FIFA takes note of an apology published 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 said that “ 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.
