From reformer to controversial figure: Infantino's decade at FIFA's helm

Ten years after taking office to reform football's tarnished image, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has become one of the sport's most influential, yet controversial, leaders. His tenure has been marked by numerous accusations, including human rights violations during the World Cup in Qatar, alleged close relationships with authoritarian regimes, and a perceived increasing reliance on a packed match schedule for players. A recent incident involving a phone call between Infantino and then-U.S. President Donald Trump regarding player Folarin Balogun's suspension for a World Cup match sparked accusations of political interference. Balogun received a red card and was initially set to miss the U.S. team's match against Belgium. Trump reportedly called Infantino to review the case, after which the suspension was made conditional, allowing Balogun to play. Infantino has denied that the call influenced the decision. Further reports indicate Infantino is considering selling stakes in the World Cup to private investors, adding to his controversial standing. Infantino, born in Switzerland to Italian parents, is fluent in five languages and has been married to Leena Al Ashqar since 2001. The couple has four daughters. Despite never playing professionally, the trained lawyer rose through the ranks of football administration, becoming UEFA's general secretary and a close associate of former UEFA president Michel Platini. He was elected FIFA president in 2016, succeeding Sepp Blatter amid the biggest corruption scandal in the sport's history.

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The accusations have been many. Human rights violations during the World Cup in Qatar, close ties to authoritarian regimes, a close collaboration with U.S. President Donald Trump and an increasingly tight match schedule for football players.