FIFA slams effort to ‘undermine’ chief Infantino after nixed investment scheme

FIFA on Saturday issued a strong warning against what it described as a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine President Gianni Infantino. The soccer body insisted that any challenges to his leadership must follow established statutes and democratic procedures.

The statement emerged amid a tense standoff following the collapse of Infantino's ambitious plan to raise billions by selling a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other tournaments. This proposal had drawn significant criticism from UEFA, national associations, and even senior FIFA officials, leading to calls for Infantino's resignation.

FIFA did not name the individuals or groups it accused of trying to destabilize Infantino's presidency. However, the statement followed reports by The Daily Telegraph alleging that UEFA paid a former employee and ex-lover of Infantino during his tenure as the European body's general secretary. Infantino has denied these allegations, which FIFA has rejected as baseless.

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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.

"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," FIFA stated. The organization vowed to challenge inaccurate or misleading reports "directly and vigorously."

Despite the controversy, FIFA's leadership reaffirmed its full support for Infantino following a crisis meeting in Morocco. The organization also apologized to its 211 member associations for mistakes in handling the privatization proposal. The ongoing fallout, however, casts a shadow over Infantino's bid for a fourth term, with no clear challenger yet having emerged.

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The FIFA president was democratically elected by FIFA’s member associations and continues to serve with their mandate.