Infantino Marks A Decade At FIFA’s Helm, Praising Member Associations

Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, has marked his tenth anniversary in the role by extending his gratitude to the 211 FIFA Member Associations (MAs) for their “unwavering support” in transforming the governance of global football. In a letter to MA presidents, Mr Infantino reflected on his election on 26th February 2016, stating, “I believe we have successfully brought football back to FIFA and FIFA back to football. And we have done so together.”

Mr Infantino highlighted the critical state of FIFA at the time of his election, which he described as facing a crisis threatening its very existence. He credited the MAs for choosing a new direction “built on reform, transparency and development.” He emphasised that the unity between FIFA and its MAs has been instrumental in this transformation.

Among the eleven key achievements listed, Mr Infantino pointed to a sevenfold increase in direct funding to MAs through the FIFA Forward Programme, the introduction of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, and enhanced capacity building within MAs. He also noted greater MA involvement in decision-making via FIFA Executive Summits and Standing Committees.

On the pitch, the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in 2018, now implemented in 83 MAs, was highlighted for promoting fairness. Off the pitch, Mr Infantino stressed improved transparency with annual accounts adhering to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and a central review programme for development funds.

The expansion of both the men’s FIFA World Cup™ to 48 teams and the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ to 32 teams (and 48 from 2031) was also celebrated for providing more playing opportunities. Similarly, youth national team opportunities have expanded, including a new festival-style FIFA U-15 Youth World Cup.

FIFA has also provided significant relief in times of hardship, including a USD 1.5 billion COVID-19 Relief Plan and emergency disaster funding. A post-conflict recovery fund was approved in December 2025. Finally, Mr Infantino noted a greater focus on club football, with the introduction of the FIFA Club World Cup™ and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup™.

Concluding his message, Mr Infantino stated, “FIFA is the glue that binds the footballing pyramid and the wider footballing ecosystem together,” reinforcing the necessity of a “strong, trusted and unified FIFA” for the sport’s continued flourishing.