Fifa defends Infantino as latest Uefa promotion allegation adds to pressure over shelved World Cup investment plan

Paris, August 9 - FIFA swiftly defended its president Gianni Infantino and denounced attempts to "undermine" the world governing body in the wake of allegations concerning a shelved investment plan. Infantino, who once held the role of secretary general at UEFA, has faced mounting pressure to step down following claims from The Telegraph newspaper.

The allegations suggest Infantino facilitated a promotion for a Uefa employee with whom he had a close relationship, and provided financial assistance during her departure, including a six-figure payment and MBA tuition fees. FIFA emphasized on social media that it welcomes "legitimate scrutiny" but will not tolerate false or misleading information.

Infantino, who is seeking re-election in March, has been under scrutiny since announcing his plan to open the World Cup to private investment, which was later abandoned. UEFA threatened to boycott the upcoming World Cups, arguing that the plan's withdrawal alone was insufficient. FIFA reiterated that it will not support any election process for the FIFA President that does not align with its statutes, democratic procedures, and established governance framework.