FIFA releases statement over plot to remove Infantino as president

FIFA released a statement on Saturday, cautioning against any attempts to remove their president, Gianni Infantino. Infantino has faced calls for his resignation following his failed attempt to sell World Cup stake shares to investors. FIFA now alleges there is "a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President." The association warned against speculations being presented as facts.

Echoing CONMEBOL and CAF's recent statements, FIFA declared they will not back, support, or allow any election process for the FIFA President that deviates from FIFA's statutes, democratic procedures, and governance framework. Infantino was democratically elected by FIFA's Member Associations and continues to serve under their mandate.

FIFA emphasized that those without Member Associations' support should not attempt to achieve their goals through allegations, insinuations, or misinformation rather than FIFA's established democratic processes. They criticized recent reporting for including unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims about FIFA and its president. Speculation and insinuation should not be mistaken for facts; repetition does not validate an allegation.

The FIFA President has devoted over three decades to European and world football, bringing about significant changes, such as increasing access, resources, and opportunities across the sport. While change can challenge established interests, disagreeing with it doesn't justify undermining the democratic mandate of FIFA's President or the institution he leads.

FIFA welcomed legitimate scrutiny but cautioned that it should not be used as a pretext to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations, or create distractions meant to impede progress. Where reporting is inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will challenge it directly and vigorously. Their primary responsibility is to their 211 Member Associations and football worldwide, and they remain committed to strengthening the organization, delivering for Member Associations, and advancing the mission of making football truly global.