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FIFA defends Infantino, warns against external interference
🇨🇱 Chile /Sports

FIFA defends Infantino, warns against external interference

From Cooperativa · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • FIFA issued a strong statement defending President Gianni Infantino against critics and external interference.
  • The organization insists it will not permit any external or extralegal moves to alter its presidency outside established statutes.
  • The defense comes amid pressure on Infantino, with some confederations like UEFA questioning his management and a proposed privatization of World Cup commercial rights.

FIFA has publicly defended its president, Gianni Infantino, against what it describes as a "concerted and continuous effort" to weaken his position. In a firm statement, the governing body of world football asserted that it will not tolerate any external or extralegal attempts to change its leadership outside the procedures outlined in its statutes.

The FIFA will not support, facilitate or tolerate any process related to the election of the FIFA President that is inconsistent with the FIFA Statutes, democratic procedures and the established governance framework.

— FIFA SpokespersonFIFA's official statement regarding its presidential election processes.

This robust defense comes as Infantino, who was first elected in 2016, faces mounting pressure ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. The statement emphasizes that Infantino was democratically elected and continues to serve the mandate given to him by the 211 member associations.

The tension has escalated recently, particularly following reports of FIFA's plan to privatize a portion of its World Cup management through a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). This proposal, aimed at bringing private investment into commercial operations, has drawn significant criticism, notably from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and other sectors. UEFA has expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino and demanded assurances that such initiatives will not be repeated.

There is a concerted and continuous effort to weaken Infantino.

— FIFA SpokespersonFIFA's claim about attempts to undermine its president.

Conversely, the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) has voiced support for FIFA's established processes and Infantino's management. The Confederation of African Football (CAF), representing 54 member associations, has also backed his candidacy for the 2027 elections. FIFA reiterated its commitment to its member associations and the global development of football, stating it will not be distracted from its objectives.

The responsibility of FIFA is to its 211 member associations and to football worldwide. We will not allow anything to distract us or divert us from our objective of strengthening the organization, delivering results to our member associations and continuing the work of making football truly global.

— FIFA SpokespersonFIFA's statement on its commitment to its members and global football.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cooperativa in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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