FIFA defends Infantino’s leadership amid UEFA backlash

FIFA has defended President Gianni Infantino amid criticism from UEFA and other football associations. Infantino faced backlash after a failed plan to seek private investment in a company that would run FIFA's competitions and sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The plan was met with immediate opposition, including a unanimous vow from all 55 UEFA nations to boycott all FIFA competitions.

Several football associations, including UEFA and the Football Association, have called for Infantino to resign. La Liga president Javier Tebas has also called for Infantino's resignation, stating that his time as FIFA president has come to an end. According to Free Malaysia Today, Tebas claimed Infantino is “destroying the very essence” of football.

UEFA has confirmed a “departure payment” was made to a female employee who allegedly had a relationship with Infantino during his time as general secretary of the organisation. Infantino has denied the claims. FIFA has launched a strong defence of Infantino, accusing his critics of mounting plots to undermine his leadership and warning that any challenges to his position must comply with democratic protocols and statutes.

Brief written by urgent.news from BusinessDay Nigeria, Free Malaysia Today, Ajel English, Egypt Independent, The Indian Express — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.