FIFA condemns ‘concerted and ongoing effort’ to weaken Infantino

FIFA denounced on Saturday accusations aimed at weakening its organization and President Gianni Infantino, as controversy surrounds his previously canceled private investment scheme. Infantino has confronted demands for his resignation and faced allegations from a British newspaper claiming he paid off a lover while serving as UEFA's secretary general.

"Recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its President," FIFA stated. Infantino previously held the role of secretary general of UEFA from 2009 to 2016. According to The Telegraph, the Italian-Swiss lawyer allegedly influenced a promotion for a UEFA employee with whom he had a romantic relationship.

The newspaper alleged that the employee received a six-figure sum upon leaving her position, along with tuition fees for an MBA course totaling around £45,000 ($60,700). When contacted, UEFA confirmed the payment made to the individual and the fees for her MBA course. FIFA emphasized in its statement that it "welcomes legitimate scrutiny" but insists that "scrutiny is not a license to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations, or manufacture distractions designed to undermine progress."

The organization reaffirmed its stance on re-electing Infantino next March and stated it "will not support, facilitate, or tolerate any process concerning the election of the FIFA President that is inconsistent with FIFA's Statutes, democratic procedures, and established governance framework." FIFA emphasized that those lacking support from its Member Associations should not attempt to achieve their goals through allegations, insinuations, or misinformation rather than through established democratic processes.