FIFA President Gianni Infantino (right) leaves after attending the inaugural session of 27th AFC Congress in Manama, Bahrain.
Manama: FIFA President Gianni Infantino claimed yesterday that the finances of football's governing body were "extremely solid", despite it posting a $369m loss earlier this year.
Speaking at the Asian Football Confederation's congress in Bahrain, Infantino said the losses were in line with FIFA's "business model" and there was no need for it give "artificial" figures.
"In spite of what some have been trying to write or to say, FIFA's finances are extremely solid," Infantino told delegates in a short address.
He added that it was normal for FIFA to make losses for three years and then "make revenue" during the fourth financial year, when a World Cup takes place.
"That's how the business model is conducted," he continued. "We don't need to tell you other stories, we don't need to make our figures artificial (or) look better by some accounting measures.
"The situation is that the finances of FIFA are extremely solid." FIFA has said previously that its losses could increase throughout this year, but rebound in 2018 to a profit of $1bn, largely due to TV deals from the Russian World Cup.
Infantino was speaking a day after FIFA formally announced a partnership deal with Qatar Airways for the Gulf carrier to be its "official airline" for a host of major tournaments, including the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Under the terms of the deal, the Gulf carrier will also sponsor the 2017 Confederations Cup, the Club World Cup, and the women's World Cup.
The main FIFA congress also takes place in Bahrain this week, on May 11.
