FIFA Faces Fresh Corruption Scandal Over Executive Salaries Amid Ongoing Match-Fixing Probes
In yet another blow to FIFA’s credibility, a fresh corruption scandal has erupted, shedding light on alleged financial misconduct at the highest levels of world football’s governing body. Just as the dust had barely settled from the controversial Qatar World Cup bidding process, new revelations suggest that top FIFA officials found a covert way to boost their personal incomes despite being barred from receiving World Cup bonuses.
According to the Sunday Times, members of FIFA’s executive committee, denied their traditional World Cup bonuses in 2014 due to “ethical concerns,” quietly circumvented this by awarding themselves massive salary increases. The newspaper reports that these salaries were doubled—rising to $200,000 (around €147,000)—and were discreetly deposited into Swiss bank accounts to evade taxes.
These payments reportedly came with no reduction in the substantial perks already enjoyed by FIFA elites, including lavish travel reimbursements, high-end accommodations, and other benefits in kind. Among the African officials allegedly benefiting from these practices are some of the most influential figures in African football:
Issa Hayatou (Cameroon), FIFA vice-president
Jacques Anouma (Ivory Coast)
Mohamed Raouraoua (Algeria)
Hany Abo Rida (Egypt)
This scandal further tarnishes the legacy of then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter, whose administration has been repeatedly criticized for a culture of opacity, nepotism, and financial abuse. Compounding FIFA’s current woes, the governing body is also under fire following revelations of a match-fixing network linked to officials within the Ghana Football Association.
The timing of these revelations couldn’t be worse. As global attention turns to the 2014 World Cup and the future of football governance, calls for transparency and reform at FIFA are growing louder. Watchdog groups, fans, and some national federations are increasingly demanding structural overhauls and greater oversight over FIFA’s executive operations.
As more details emerge, this scandal may prove to be one of the most damaging episodes in FIFA’s controversial history.
