FIFA condemns 'concerted and ongoing effort' to undermine Infantino amid scandals
Infantino, who is standing for re-election next March, has been embroiled in a crisis since the announcement late last month of his controversial – and ultimately abandoned – plan to open up the World Cup to private investors.
FIFA has defended its president, Gianni Infantino, against what it calls a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine his leadership. The governing body released a statement on Saturday, accusing critics of trying to weaken Infantino's authority and remove him from office without due process.
The criticism against Infantino comes amid several controversies, including a failed plan to create a subsidiary to run the men's World Cup and other events, with up to a 20% stake offered to external investors. This proposal drew criticism from European governing body UEFA, several national associations, and senior FIFA officials, and prompted calls for Infantino to resign.
According to reports from The Daily Telegraph, UEFA paid a six-figure sum to a female employee who allegedly had a relationship with Infantino during his time as UEFA general secretary. UEFA confirmed a "departure payment" was made and also funded her MBA course, stating both were in line with regulations at the time. A FIFA spokesman said Infantino "strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue."
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