FIFA has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons lately. It’s hard to imagine that a sport so popular would have such an ugly underbelly, but it does. And it’s not just the men’s game that is affected. The women’s game is also tarnished by corruption and allegations of sexual harassment and abuse.

Despite all this, FIFA remains one of the most powerful sporting organizations in the world. It generates billions of dollars every year through TV rights and sponsorship deals — money that is distributed among football associations around the world.

The president of FIFA earns an annual salary of $1 million (€850,000), while other top officials make anywhere between $250,000 and $400,000 per year. While these salaries may seem like a lot, they pale in comparison to those earned by some professional players.

How much can a soccer referee make for a FIFA World Cup?

In addition to their annual salaries, FIFA officials are paid for each match they officiate during international tournaments such as the World Cup or UEFA European Championship (EURO). The amount varies depending on which tournament it is: For example, World Cup referees receive $4,500 per match.

Last modified: July 31, 2022