The British newspaper The Times has issued a correction for an article published on October 13, stating that FIFA President Gianni Infantino was receiving a "second salary" from the organization that had not been disclosed. The publication now admits that the news was inaccurate and that this "second salary" never existed.
"Regulations do not require FIFA to include expenses and reimbursements received by Mr. Infantino in its annual report, as they are not considered "remuneration" according to Swiss financial reporting standards," states The Times in its correction note.
It also corrects statements regarding a property in Miami, refuting claims that Infantino acquired it "at a price allegedly below market value, as we had reported". Additionally, it acknowledges an error in reporting that he or any member of his family are legal owners or beneficial owners of Shadi LLC.
The prestigious publication concludes its note with apologies to both Gianni Infantino and FIFA for the incorrect information provided to its readers.
Meanwhile, Infantino continues to seek support for his re-election next March as president of the world football governing body. This week in Japan for a meeting with the Asian Football Confederation, following the apologies offered last week in Zurich to the 37-member FIFA Council for the "mistakes" made in devising a World Cup sales plan, now abandoned.
The deadline for submitting candidacies is November 18. FIFA rules state that potential rivals must have "played an active role in association football (e.g. as a player or as an official within FIFA, a confederation, or an association, etc.) for two of the last five years before being nominated." They must have "statements of support" from at least five of the 211 members.