FIFA warns critics of President Gianni Infantino

FIFA has issued a strong warning against those it claims are attempting to undermine its president, Gianni Infantino, and the organization itself. In a statement, the global football governing body declared, "It is becoming increasingly clear that some actors are deliberately and continuously trying to weaken FIFA and its president." FIFA vowed to counter any inaccurate or misleading reports with "immediate and energetic" responses, cautioning against presenting speculation as fact.

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It is becoming increasingly clear that some actors are deliberately and continuously trying to weaken FIFA and its president.

While FIFA did not specify which reports or actors it was referring to, the statement follows recent criticism directed at Infantino. European football associations, including England, Sweden, Wales, and Serbia, have openly withdrawn their support. This backlash intensified after the recent unveiling of a now-withdrawn investor plan. Infantino, who is currently the sole declared candidate for the next FIFA presidential election in March 2027, has also faced new accusations regarding a six-figure severance payment to a close associate during his tenure as UEFA General Secretary, with reports suggesting the associate was his "lover."

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If reports are inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will counter them immediately and energetically.

Despite the criticism, Infantino has garnered support from several member associations within the South American confederation CONMEBOL and the African confederation CAF. FIFA emphasized its commitment to strengthening the association and making football "truly global." The organization reiterated that it would not support any electoral processes that violate its statutes, democratic procedures, or governance framework, affirming Infantino's democratic election as president.

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We will not support, promote, or condone any proceedings related to the election of the FIFA president that are contrary to the FIFA statutes, democratic procedures, and the established governance framework.