FIFA's outlandish spending during previous regime exposed in new revalation

FIFA is preparing for its most important summer by hosting the biggest-ever World Cup in North America next month, a vision that has been part of the governing body since Gianni Infantino took over the presidency ten years ago. 

Much has changed within FIFA's governing body in the decade since Infantino took over the helm, and a new book sheds light on both the strides made in the game and the state of play during the previous regime under Sepp Blatter. 



The book, Forward – The Revolution of Football: The First 10 Years of Gianni Infantino at FIFA, is written by journalist Alessandro Alciato and not only celebrates the improvements under Infantino's lead, but also reveals some shocking revelations on where money was spent during Blatter's tenure. 

In one example, Alciato details the outlay that was made in bringing the FIFA museum to life, exploring how Infantino found out the levels of money that was made for a building that FIFA didn't even own. 

The book explains, "Around €500 million was spent on the FIFA Museum, €140 million of which went towards refurbishing a building that was not even owned by FIFA.

"Much of the rest went towards an ironclad 32-year lease from 2013 to 2045. In effect, a building that did not belong to FIFA was renovated with FIFA’s money to guarantee long-term rental income.

"More than one person who was there vividly remembers the FIFA President’s outburst when he found out. He shouted, 'How many football pitches could we have built with that amount? How many?'DAZN/FIFA

Harold Cunningham - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

In various chapters, the book details how, under Mr Infantino's leadership, FIFA has ensured that revenues are now redistributed for global football development and how women's football has grown over the last 10 years.

Also detailing the success of the FIFA World Cup, the FIFA Women’s World Cup and last summer's newly introduced 32-team FIFA Club World Cup. 

“I have never lost sight of our main objective," Infantino says in the foreword of the release. 

"To help grow the game globally and improve conditions for players in each of the 211 countries and territories affiliated with FIFA." 

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