FIFA vows to challenge ‘false’ coverage and reject undemocratic attempts to unseat Infantino

FIFA has reaffirmed its support for president Gianni Infantino and warned that it will not tolerate any attempt to influence the organisation’s leadership through processes that do not comply with its statutes and democratic procedures.

The governing body said any future presidential election process must be conducted within its approved governance framework, as Infantino faces growing opposition, particularly from UEFA, over a series of controversial decisions and proposals.

In a statement published on its official channels on Sunday morning, a FIFA spokesperson said: “In confirmation of the recent statements issued by CONMEBOL and CAF, as well as discussions with member associations and confederations around the world, FIFA will not support, facilitate or tolerate any process concerning the election of a president that does not comply with the statutes of the federation, democratic procedures and the established governance framework.”

The statement added: “The FIFA president was democratically elected by the member associations of FIFA and continues to perform his duties under the mandate entrusted to him.”

Infantino has come under increasing criticism over his decisions and plans, including a proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to investors. The idea was ultimately abandoned by the FIFA president after coming under pressure.

UEFA has been identified as a particular source of opposition to Infantino, with reports suggesting the European governing body is seeking to remove him.

The British newspaper The Telegraph also reported recently that UEFA had provided money to one of its female employees because of her relationship with Infantino when he was secretary general of the continental organisation.

FIFA said it believed there was a continuing, coordinated effort to undermine both the organisation and its president.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that there are ongoing, coordinated efforts by some to undermine FIFA and its president,” the statement said. “Those who do not enjoy the support of FIFA’s member associations should not seek to achieve through allegations, insinuations or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes.”

The governing body also criticised recent media reports, claiming they had included unsupported assertions and statements it described as plainly false.

“Recent media coverage has included unsupported assertions and clearly false claims about FIFA and its president,” it said. “Speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repeating an allegation does not make it true.”

FIFA defended Infantino’s record, saying he had devoted more than 30 years of his professional career to European and world football.

“FIFA’s president has dedicated more than 30 years of his professional career to European and global football, contributing to significant changes in the game, particularly by expanding access to football, resources and opportunities around the world,” the statement said.

It added that disagreement with change could not justify attempts to challenge the democratic mandate given to Infantino or to FIFA, the organisation he was elected to lead.

Although FIFA said it welcomed legitimate scrutiny, it warned that scrutiny did not justify distorting facts, exaggerating claims without evidence or creating distractions intended to damage the organisation’s progress.

“When media coverage is inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will confront it directly and forcefully,” the statement said.

FIFA concluded by stressing its responsibility to its 211 member associations and to football worldwide.

“We will not allow ourselves to be distracted or diverted from strengthening the organisation, serving our member associations and continuing to work to make football truly global,” it said. “Through the FIFA president and its administration, our focus remains fully on this mission, and we are more determined than ever to deliver it.”