Key facts
- Mario Gallavotti, an Italian lawyer, is a key figure in FIFA's sensitive political and commercial initiatives.
- Gallavotti's influence stems from his long-standing relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- He is reportedly linked to the leak of a plan to sell World Cup rights to private investors, causing a political crisis.
- Critics argue FIFA's systems under Gallavotti were inadequate for handling abuse allegations.
- Gallavotti has been instrumental in fostering commercial ties between FIFA and Saudi Arabia.
Mario Gallavotti, an Italian lawyer with a long-standing relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has become a central figure in recent controversies surrounding the global soccer governing body. Gallavotti, who has been described as having a significant political role within FIFA, is reportedly linked to a leaked plan to sell parts of the World Cup to private investors, a move that has caused a media firestorm and jeopardizes Infantino's bid for a third term.
Gallavotti's influence reportedly grew after Infantino took office in 2016 and reorganized FIFA, placing committees under a single director, a role Gallavotti assumed. His responsibilities have included sensitive political and commercial initiatives, as well as overseeing disciplinary and ethical matters. However, critics, including Human Rights Watch, have argued that FIFA's systems under Gallavotti were inadequate for handling serious allegations of sexual abuse, citing cases involving the soccer federations of Haiti and Afghanistan.
In addition to these issues, Gallavotti has been involved in arranging negotiations for potential World Cup co-hosting bids and has played a key role in developing FIFA's commercial relationship with Saudi Arabia. This relationship includes lucrative sponsorship deals and the awarding of the 2034 men's World Cup to Saudi Arabia, a move that has drawn scrutiny due to the country's human rights record.