A decade after Gianni Infantino was elected FIFA president with a mandate to restore trust in world football, his leadership is once again at the center of intense debate.
Infantino took office in 2016 following one of the darkest periods in FIFA's history. The organization was engulfed by corruption allegations after United States federal prosecutors unveiled a series of investigations into officials and associates connected to football's world governing body.
The scandal led to the resignation of former president Sepp Blatter and ushered in promises of greater transparency and reform.
Over the past 10 years, Infantino has overseen significant changes, including the expansion of major FIFA tournaments, increased investment in member associations and record commercial revenues. Supporters argue those initiatives have strengthened the global game and broadened opportunities for developing football nations.
However, his latest proposal to establish a commercial subsidiary and allow outside investors to purchase stakes in FIFA's flagship competitions has sparked fresh controversy.
The plan has attracted widespread attention after reports linked it to an investment fund backed by American businessman Joshua Kushner. Critics have questioned whether greater private investment could alter the governance and long-term direction of international football.
The proposal has also fueled political discussion because of the well-documented relationship between Infantino and United States President Donald Trump. Their public appearances together and close working relationship during preparations for major FIFA events in the United States have drawn scrutiny from some observers, who have questioned whether politics and football are becoming increasingly intertwined.
The Kushner family's political connections have further intensified debate. Charles Kushner, the father of Jared and Joshua Kushner, was convicted in 2005 on charges including tax evasion, witness tampering and illegal campaign contributions before being pardoned by Trump in 2020. He later served as the United States ambassador to France.
FIFA has maintained that its proposed commercial structure is designed to generate additional long-term investment for football worldwide, with billions of dollars potentially being redistributed to its 211 member associations.
Nevertheless, the proposal has prompted criticism from some football stakeholders, including regional governing bodies, who have called for greater consultation and transparency before any fundamental changes to FIFA's commercial model are approved.
As Infantino approaches the second decade of his presidency, the organization that once promised sweeping governance reform again finds itself facing searching questions over the future direction of the global game.
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