FIFA President Gianni Infantino has received a public apology as he continues to come under scrutiny from UEFA and other critics

FIFA have reaffirmed its belief that there is a concerted effort to undermine President Gianni Infantino, after an apology was issued over claims the world governing body boss was drawing a second salary. The governing body of world football criticised the 'damaging report'.

Infantino has come under increased scrutiny after his proposal to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The Swiss football politician has so far withstood a number of calls to stand down from his position ahead of the presidential election next year.

Earlier this week UEFA called upon FIFA to release key documents, setting a deadline of November 2. In a letter, the European governing body asked 42 questions covering issues such as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) private investment, the FIFA Peace Prize and the decision to suspend US star Folarin Balogun's ban at the World Cup.

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However, accusations that Infantino drew a second salary have proven to be unfounded, with the Times offering an apology for a number of the claims.

The Times said: "On 13 October 2026 (Sport), we reported that Gianni Infantino received a “second salary” from FIFA, which FIFA had failed to disclose. This is incorrect.

"There was no “second salary”. Regulations do not require FIFA to include expenses and reimbursements received by Mr Infantino in its annual report as they are not considered “compensation” under Swiss reporting requirements.

"We also accept Mr Infantino did not purchase a property in Miami at a suspected undervalue as we reported and neither he nor his family are the legal or beneficial owners of Shadi LLC and have no control over that company, as we suggested. We are happy to make these corrections and apologise to Mr Infantino and FIFA for the errors."

FIFA highlighted the apology made by the Times and set out their stall to 'vigorously' challenge inaccurate reporting.

"FIFA takes note of an apology published by The Times following an inaccurate and damaging report," they said.

"As FIFA stated in August, it is evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President. FIFA urges the media to act responsibly and carefully verify all sourcing to prevent the publication and subsequent reproduction of false and defamatory information.

"FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny. But scrutiny is not a license to amplify false allegations. Where reporting is inaccurate, misleading, or totally false, as in this case, FIFA will continue to challenge it directly and vigorously."

Infantino is standing for re-election as FIFA president, with a deadline of November 18 for a rival candidate to make themselves known. Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been touted in some corners as a unity candidate.