FIFA condemns 'concerted and ongoing effort' to weaken Infantino

FIFA has strongly denounced a coordinated campaign to undermine the organization and its president, Gianni Infantino, amid controversy surrounding his private investment proposal. The Italian-Swiss football administrator has been under pressure to resign and faced allegations that he paid off a former lover while serving as the head of European football's governing body, UEFA.

FIFA emphasized on Saturday that they welcome impartial investigation but denounce the distortion of facts, amplification of unsubstantiated claims, and creation of distractions meant to hinder progress. Infantino, who is seeking re-election next March, has been embroiled in a crisis since announcing his plan to allow private investors into the World Cup, which he later abandoned.

FIFA stated that they will not support, facilitate, or tolerate any process related to the election of the FIFA President that goes against the organization's statutes, democratic procedures, and governance structure. The statement emphasized that those lacking support from FIFA's member associations should not attempt to achieve their goals through allegations, insinuations, or misinformation when they cannot succeed through FIFA's established democratic processes.