Infantino sets FIFA on a new path

By James Lwanga, Senior Sub-Editor

At 45 years of age Gianni Infantino has been elected FIFA president replacing the much maligned Joseph Blatter, 79.

The Swiss Italian brings some fresh air to the organisation which has taken a battering over corruption scandals.

While former presidents Joao Havelange and Blatter made it a priority to grow the influence of African and Asian countries through the expansion of participating counties in FIFA competitions, Infantino, who has been UEFA Secretary General, has the word ‘reform' written all over his face.

The last years of Blatter as FIFA president have been dogged by allegations of financial impropriety which has led to massive reforms including the reduction of the president's powers.

Infantino's work will not be easy as Blatter's influence can still be felt especially in Africa and Asia. But he has a rich background in football administration since he started working for UEFA in 2000.

Four years later he became Director of UEFA's Legal Affairs and Club Licensing Division. He is also the man credited with the introduction of Financial Fair Play in addition to improving financial support to small national associations.

The new FIFA president has already committed himself to increasing the FIFA annual grant to each national association. He also wants to increase the FIFA World Cup from 32 to 40 countries.

As with every good thing, the planned increment in the amount of money which FIFA sends to member associations is likely to come with financial impropriety.

This is especially in Africa and other third world countries where many people are attracted to lead national football associations simply to access the FIFA grant for personal gratification instead of promoting football.