Politicians, private jets and power - the life of a Fifa president

Gianni Infantino stepped off a plane in Cali, Colombia, greeted by the president of the Colombian Football Federation, Ramon Jesurun. Infantino was there to attend the inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. His meeting with Jesurun was a show of support, as the two men posed for a photo on the runway. Infantino's travel style was presidential, arriving in Rabat, Morocco, with a fleet of blacked out Mercedes and police escorts, accompanied by the Qatar Airways Executive jet.

He utilized this jet to cover major international events and tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup, where he successfully watched two games a day. As the head of FIFA, Infantino's responsibilities include building relationships with officials and politicians, attending confederation meetings, and overseeing grassroots projects funded by FIFA.

His salary has tripled since his election in 2016, reaching £4 million annually, with a per diem of £20,500 for expenses. Despite his success in driving record revenues, Infantino's close ties with US President Donald Trump have raised questions about his neutrality and priorities. His political neutrality was called into question after he appeared at the inaugural meeting of Trump's Board of Peace just before a major FIFA Congress.

Infantino also had a surprise meeting with Trump while in the Middle East, which led to a late arrival at the FIFA Congress in Paraguay, causing Uefa to accuse him of prioritizing private political interests.