FIFA: Gianni Infantino caught up in an old investigation!

With a new FIFA presidential election approaching, Gianni Infantino is facing new revelations that could reignite criticism of his leadership. According to The Telegraph, a 2016 FIFA Ethics Committee investigation has resurfaced, highlighting several trips taken by the FIFA president on private jets.

According to reports from the British media, some of these trips were allegedly paid for by Russian and Qatari officials, given that Russia and Qatar were the respective host countries of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. These trips were therefore examined in light of the ethical rules of the world football governing body.

The case also included a trip to the Vatican taken by Infantino with his wife and mother. The FIFA president had been invited in his official capacity, but the circumstances of the trip had raised suspicions among investigators, particularly the use of a private plane.

Other expenses were also scrutinized. Investigators focused in particular on the purchase of six pairs of football boots and a tuxedo, paid for with FIFA funds. The hiring of several individuals from the executive's inner circle, with salaries deemed to exceed the organization's usual standards, was also examined.

Another surprising element revealed by this investigation: Infantino had refused to sign the contract that would have guaranteed him an annual salary of two million Swiss francs. At the time, the executive reportedly considered this proposal "insulting."

Despite numerous questions raised just months after his arrival at the head of FIFA, Gianni Infantino was ultimately cleared of the seven charges brought before the ethics committee. The investigator in charge of the case, however, expressed reservations regarding the trip to the Vatican, believing that the FIFA president could be considered to have not acted with "complete integrity."

Ten years after the start of these proceedings, these revelations have resurfaced. Their resurgence comes at a particularly sensitive time for Gianni Infantino, who is facing challenges as the FIFA presidential election approaches. This old case could further fuel the debate surrounding his record and his leadership of the world governing body.