FIFA condemns 'concerted and ongoing effort' to weaken Infantino

FIFA has strongly condemned what it describes as a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine the world football governing body and its president, Gianni Infantino, amidst ongoing controversy.

The statement comes as Infantino faces calls for his resignation and new allegations from a British newspaper. The reports claim Infantino used his influence to pay off a former lover during his time as secretary general of European football's governing body, UEFA, from 2009 to 2016. The newspaper alleged the employee received a significant departure payment and tuition fees for a business school.

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Recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its President.

UEFA acknowledged that a departure payment was made to the individual, along with fees for an MBA course. FIFA, however, insisted in its statement that it "welcomes legitimate scrutiny" but will not tolerate distortions of facts or unsubstantiated allegations. The organization vowed to challenge inaccurate or misleading reporting directly and vigorously.

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But scrutiny is not a licence to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations or manufacture distractions designed to undermine progress. Where reporting is inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will challenge it directly and vigorously.

Infantino, who is seeking re-election next March, has been embroiled in a crisis since the recent announcement and subsequent abandonment of his plan to introduce private investors into the World Cup. This initiative has faced significant opposition, particularly from UEFA, which has threatened to boycott World Cups, deeming the plan's withdrawal insufficient.

FIFA emphasized that it "will not support, facilitate or tolerate any process concerning the election of the FIFA President that is inconsistent with FIFA's Statutes, democratic procedures and established governance framework." The organization asserted that individuals lacking support from FIFA's Member Associations should not attempt to achieve their goals through allegations or misinformation.

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Those who do not have the support of FIFA's Member Associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA's established democratic processes.