Infantino says he's changed: Don't know him anymore

In recent years, Gianni Infantino has undergone a dramatic transformation, according to former colleagues who once viewed him as a principled figure within football governance. Now serving as the president of FIFA, the global governing body of football, Infantino's career trajectory—from legal advisor at UEFA to head of FIFA—has sparked controversy among those who knew him earlier in his professional life. The shift in perception is stark, particularly highlighted by Karen Espelund, a former member of UEFA’s executive committee, who stated she no longer recognizes the person she once associated with.

Infantino was elected as FIFA president in Zurich ten years ago, following the corruption scandal that engulfed the organization around Sepp Blatter. Before this role, he had worked as a legal advisor at UEFA, later becoming its general secretary before moving on to lead FIFA. His rise coincided with a period of significant upheaval in world football, marked by calls for reform and greater transparency. However, the transition from administrator to leader has seen Infantino adopt policies and practices that some of his former peers find alarming.

The financial aspects of Infantino's presidency have also drawn attention. Initially offered a salary significantly lower than his predecessor, Sepp Blatter—who reportedly earned about 36 million Norwegian kroner annually—Infantino has since seen his compensation increase substantially. According to recent reports, his annual salary now stands at approximately 57 million kroner, marking a considerable jump from the 15 million kroner he received ten years ago. This growth in earnings has been accompanied by a series of actions that challenge the ethical standards he once advocated for during his time in UEFA.

During his first official meeting as FIFA president in Mexico in 2016, Infantino expressed frustration over the proposed salary package, calling it an "insult." He recounted an incident where an employee informed him of expenses he needed to cover, including traffic fines and hotel laundry costs. While he admitted to paying these expenses, he criticized the situation as absurd, highlighting a perceived disconnect between his expectations and the realities of administrative responsibilities.

Despite being reported to the ethics committee for potential violations of internal rules, the matter did not proceed further. Instead, those who raised concerns against Infantino found themselves excluded from the system, often not being re-elected to their positions at subsequent FIFA congresses. This pattern of behavior has raised eyebrows among critics, including Hans Joachim Eckert, a former head of FIFA’s ethics committee until 2017. Eckert has called for an internal investigation into the awarding of FIFA’s peace prize to former US President Donald Trump, citing concerns over the organization’s non-political stance.

The current situation involves Infantino traveling extensively across North America via private jet to attend two World Cup matches each day during the tournament's opening phase. This level of travel and access to high-profile events contrasts sharply with the more modest beginnings of his career. As the World Cup unfolds, the scrutiny surrounding Infantino’s leadership continues to grow, with questions about both his personal conduct and the broader implications for FIFA’s governance structure.

The evolution of Infantino’s persona has left many of his former associates bewildered. What was once seen as a commitment to reform and integrity appears to have shifted toward a more self-serving approach, raising doubts about the future direction of FIFA under his leadership. With ongoing investigations and calls for accountability, the coming months will likely bring further revelations about the extent of these changes and their impact on international football.