FIFA defends President Infantino amid favoritism accusations from his UEFA tenure

FIFA has strongly denounced what it calls a "concerted and continuous effort by some to weaken FIFA and its president," Gianni Infantino. The international football federation issued a statement Saturday asserting that recent reports contained "unsubstantiated claims and manifestly false allegations."

"Speculation and insinuations should not be presented as facts, and the repetition of an allegation does not make it true," FIFA stated, without specifying which reports it was referring to. The comments follow a report by The Telegraph alleging that Infantino, who has faced significant opposition since abandoning his private investment plan, used his power during his time at UEFA to promote an employee with whom he had an intimate relationship.

The British newspaper reported that the employee, after being promoted at UEFA, received a "six-figure severance package" approved by Infantino upon her departure. This payment, along with approximately 50,000 euros for business school tuition, was reportedly made at an unspecified date. UEFA, when contacted by AFP, acknowledged that a payment was made, along with tuition fees for an MBA program. However, UEFA stressed that "this payment was in line with the rules in force at the time for staff leaving the organization."

FIFA stated it "welcomes any legitimate critical examination" but cautioned that such examination should not involve distorting facts, amplifying unsubstantiated allegations, or creating artificial distractions. Infantino is seeking re-election as FIFA president in March. He has been embroiled in controversy since late July when his plan to open FIFA to private investors was abandoned. UEFA has maintained its threat to boycott World Cups, deeming the project's withdrawal insufficient. The Norwegian Football Federation has called for Infantino's resignation.