FIFA condemns 'concerted and ongoing effort' to weaken Infantino

Paris: FIFA issued a stern rebuke on Saturday to those attempting to weaken the world governing body and its president, Gianni Infantino. The controversy surrounding Infantino's proposed private investment plan for the World Cup continues to draw criticism. Calls for Infantino to resign have intensified, and a British newspaper reported allegations that he paid off a lover while serving at UEFA.

FIFA denied these claims, stating that they were "unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false." Infantino previously served as secretary general of UEFA from 2009 to 2016. The Italian-Swiss lawyer allegedly used his influence to secure a promotion for a UEFA employee he was in an intimate relationship with and also ensured the employee received a six-figure sum upon her departure, along with tuition fees for a business school.

FIFA affirmed that it welcomes legitimate scrutiny but will not tolerate distortion of facts or manufacture of distractions designed to undermine progress. Infantino, who is seeking re-election next March, has been under pressure from UEFA, which declared it would boycott the World Cup in protest of Infantino's controversial plan.

FIFA emphasized that it will not support, facilitate, or tolerate any election process for FIFA President inconsistent with the organization's statutes, democratic procedures, and governance framework.