Infantino is re-elected president of FIFA, telling critics: 'I love you all'
Infantino ran unopposed, making his re-election as head of football's governing body a formality.
247 - Gianni Infantino was re-elected FIFA president during the 73rd Congress in Kigali on Thursday, promising record revenues of $11 billion in the next four-year cycle, while advocating for more football to be played around the world.
Infantino ran unopposed, making his re-election as head of football's governing body a formality, even though he is not universally popular among member associations amid controversies, including the treatment of migrant workers in the lead-up to last year's World Cup in Qatar and a failed plan to hold the tournament every two years.
"It is an incredible honor and privilege, and a great responsibility," said Infantino. "I promise to continue serving FIFA and football around the world."
"To those who love me, and I know there are many, and to those who hate me... I love you all."
Infantino confirmed that FIFA's revenue reached record levels in the last 2019-22 cycle, but promised to increase it substantially with the expansion of the men's and women's World Cup tournaments and the introduction of a 32-team Club World Cup.
"Revenues rose to a record US$7,5 billion (through 2022) in a period that was affected by COVID-19. When I arrived, FIFA's reserves were around US$1 billion, today they are almost US$4 billion," said Infantino.
"We've promised record new revenues of $11 billion for the next cycle, and the new Club World Cup isn't included in that figure, so it could add a few billion more."
Infantino said FIFA will continue to review the transfer system to "improve transparency" and suggested the organization could discuss a salary cap.
"We must improve our regulations and FIFA statutes. We will continue to evolve our principles of good governance and examine the transfer system, and perhaps discuss ways to improve the transparency of transfer fees and salaries."
"It may be necessary to introduce a salary cap; we have to think about how we can do that. We will analyze this with all stakeholders and see what we can do." (With Reuters).