World football’s governing body FIFA has lifted the veil on its financial affairs, revealing shocking payments to disgraced former president Sepp Blatter and an alarming £84m annual loss. These disclosures, mandated by new transparency rules, expose the deep financial turmoil within the organization amid its ongoing corruption crisis.
The Blatter Payout: A Controversial Legacy
For the first time in FIFA’s history, Krikya can confirm that Sepp Blatter received a staggering £2.6m in 2023—a figure that has sparked outrage among football fans and governance watchdogs. This payment came despite Blatter’s ban from football activities following multiple ethics violations.

Former FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke, also banned for ethics breaches, pocketed £1.51m, including bonuses and pension contributions. These revelations highlight the culture of excess that plagued FIFA’s leadership before reforms were introduced.
Financial Freefall: How FIFA Lost £84m
FIFA’s financial report attributes the massive loss to “unforeseen costs linked to extraordinary circumstances”—a clear nod to legal battles, corruption investigations, and reputational damage. Key factors include:
- Legal fees from ongoing corruption cases
- Sponsorship withdrawals due to the scandal
- Operational disruptions from leadership changes
Despite the bleak numbers, current president Gianni Infantino remains optimistic.
Infantino’s Reform Promise: A New Era for FIFA?
Gianni Infantino, elected in 2016, has positioned himself as FIFA’s savior, pledging transparency and financial stability.
“With the approved reforms, we’ve turned a corner. FIFA will emerge stronger than ever,” Infantino declared.
His strategy includes:
- Strict financial controls to prevent future misuse of funds
- Expanding tournaments (e.g., Club World Cup, Women’s World Cup) to boost revenue
- Rebuilding sponsor trust after high-profile exits like Visa and Coca-Cola’s hesitance

The Road Ahead: Can FIFA Regain Trust?
While Krikya experts acknowledge Infantino’s efforts, skepticism remains. Football finance analyst Mark Richardson notes:
“FIFA’s losses reflect systemic issues. Reforms are promising, but sustained profitability depends on ethical governance and commercial innovation.”
Key challenges:
- Regaining sponsor confidence
- Proving financial discipline to member associations
- Delivering a scandal-free 2026 World Cup
Final Verdict
FIFA’s financial exposé underscores both its troubled past and precarious future. While Infantino’s reforms offer hope, the road to redemption is long. For now, fans and stakeholders will watch closely—will FIFA’s next financial report tell a story of recovery or repeated failure?
Stay tuned to Krikya for the latest in-depth football analysis!

