FIFA's Gianni Infantino accused of 'abuse of power' over VIP Miami airport perks for wife, kids: experts

Key Points:

• FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been accused of abusing his power by arranging VIP airport escorts in Miami for his wife, daughters, and even their dogs, with official records showing his family used the service 125 times since January 2024, often without his presence.
• Miami International Airport confirmed that FIFA requested these VIP courtesies, which are provided free of charge at the airport's discretion, but experts argue this may violate FIFA's ethics code prohibiting officials from using their position for private gain.
• The airport's VIP protocol, typically reserved for high-ranking officials, does not explicitly cover family members or pets, raising concerns about misuse of resources and potential ethical breaches, especially as some family members received escorts while traveling alone.
• Sports governance experts doubt FIFA will investigate the matter seriously due to Infantino's control over the organization's ethics committee, which they describe as lacking independence and transparency.
• This controversy adds to ongoing scrutiny of Infantino, who is facing multiple allegations including misuse of FIFA funds for personal benefits and contentious leadership amid his bid for another term as FIFA president.