Bayern Supervisory Board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has demonstratively backed FIFA boss Gianni Infantino and praised his „soccer heart“ despite the ongoing commercialization of the World Cup
The 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico will set new standards – both in sporting and economic terms. FIFA is expecting around three billion US dollars in ticket revenue for the tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time. Compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, this would correspond to an increase of almost 200 percent. For years, critics have accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of focusing primarily on the revenue side. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge clearly contradicts this view
In an interview with FIFA, the FC Bayern Supervisory Board member spoke favorably about the Swiss, who celebrates his tenth anniversary in office on Thursday. „First of all, I believe that he has a soccer heart! Not every soccer official has one – I have noticed that from my own experience,“ said Rummenigge. Infantino is not only interested in „what he is always accused of: the revenue side. He is really interested in soccer.“
Shared history – even with friction
Rummenigge has known Infantino for more than two decades. When he was still UEFA General Secretary, the former world-class striker headed the European Club Association. During this time, there were certainly differences of opinion. „Even when he was angry with me or I was angry with him, we always found a fair, serious solution in the end,“ emphasized the 70-year-old
There is also a special connection via Inter Milan. Infantino is an avowed fan of the traditional Italian club, for whom Rummenigge played between 1984 and 1987. „We only had stress once – Inter against Bayern,“ Rummenigge recalled with a wink at the 2010 Champions League final, which the Nerazzurri won 2:0
Ten years in office
Infantino was elected FIFA President on 26 February 2016, succeeding Sepp Blatter, who had resigned in the wake of corruption scandals in the world governing body. Since then, Infantino has further globalized world soccer economically and fundamentally reformed the tournament format of the World Cup
For Rummenigge, the focus is not just on the financial side of things. His assessment is clear: Infantino is not just a numbers man, but someone who has soccer at heart. Especially in times of growing commercialization, this is a remarkable public commitment from one of the most influential officials in German soccer.
