FIFA: revenue increases by 7.6% and expenses by 23.2% in 2015, compared to figures from 2011

"In comparison to the first year of the previous cycle (2011-2015), revenue increased by $82m (€73m, or +7.6%) to $1.152bn (€1.022m). Expenditure increased in comparison with the first year of the previous cycle by $240m (€213m or 232.2%) to $1,274m (€1.13bn)," said FIFA, in its financial and governance report, published on 17/03/2016.

"2015 represented the first quarter of the current 2015-2018 period, which will draw to a close in the year of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. FIFA has so far made it through considerable turbulence since May 2015," added the international Federation.

On the subject of the increase in expenses, FIFA said: " A number of events caused these increases such as an increased budget for development expenses and higher competition costs, but also unforeseen costs such as legal fees and costs for extraordinary meetings. In total, 74% of overall expenditure was invested directly into football."

FIFA reserves decreased to $1,340m (€1.189bn) as of 31/12/2015. "Having sufficient reserves is of great importance to FIFA’s financial independence and to its…