NYT reports cost of FIFA’s Trump Tower office lease

The newspaper says the rarely used New York office carries a lease worth about $4 million over more than seven years.

The office occupies space on the building’s 17th floor in New York. Trump Tower belongs to the family of US President Donald Trump. RIA Novosti, citing The New York Times, reports that the roughly 465-square-metre premises are not intended to house a full permanent staff.

FIFA uses the space for special events and meetings with senior guests, including during the United Nations General Assembly. Its main US offices are in Miami. According to the newspaper, some senior officials questioned the need for the additional lease.

NYT’s sources attributed the decision to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The federation said the rent was in line with market rates, the lease complied with local law and the agreement followed internal procedures. It defended a New York presence as appropriate for a global organisation. The approximately $4 million figure covers the full lease term, rather than an annual payment.