FIFA has issued a statement defending its president, Gianni Infantino, against what it describes as a “concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” the organisation and its leader. This defence comes in response to claims regarding Infantino’s conduct during his time at UEFA.
UEFA confirmed on Saturday that a “departure payment” was made to a female employee. This payment was made to an individual alleged to have been in a relationship with Infantino when he served as the European organisation’s general secretary. Reports indicate the woman received a six-figure sum, and UEFA also covered the fees for an MBA course, stating that these payments were “in line” with the regulations in place at the time.
Infantino, who worked at UEFA for 16 years and was its general secretary from 2009 to 2016 before becoming FIFA president, has strongly denied these allegations. A spokesperson for FIFA reportedly told a newspaper that Infantino “strongly denies these categorically untrue allegations.”
FIFA’s Response to Critics
While not directly referencing UEFA’s statement, FIFA’s statement accused Infantino’s critics of attempting to weaken his authority and remove him from his position without following due re-election processes. The governing body asserted that those who lack the support of FIFA’s member associations should not attempt to achieve their goals through “allegation, insinuation or misinformation” when they cannot do so through established democratic processes.
FIFA highlighted recent reporting that included “unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims” concerning the organisation and its president. The statement emphasised that speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and that repetition does not validate an allegation.
The organisation underlined that its president has dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to European and world football. This dedication, FIFA stated, has contributed to significant changes in the sport, particularly in broadening access, resources, and opportunities across global football.
FIFA acknowledged that change can challenge established interests, but maintained that disagreement with such changes does not justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate of its president or the institution he was elected to lead. The body stated it welcomes legitimate scrutiny but clarified that scrutiny does not grant a license to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations, or create distractions designed to impede progress.
The organisation also affirmed its commitment to challenging inaccurate or misleading reporting directly and vigorously. FIFA’s responsibility, it stated, is to its 211 member associations and to football worldwide. The body declared it would not be distracted from strengthening the organisation, delivering for its member associations, and continuing its mission to make football truly global.
Ongoing Pressure and Past Proposals
The allegations have intensified the pressure on Infantino, particularly following his aborted plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. This controversial proposal was rejected by UEFA and two other continental confederations.
Despite this, FIFA’s management board backed Infantino following a meeting in Morocco, where he issued an apology regarding the process of the proposal. However, UEFA’s threat for its 55 member countries to boycott FIFA competitions until the plan was scrapped remains in place. UEFA stated on Thursday that Wednesday’s announcement regarding the scheme “changes nothing.”
The payment made by UEFA to the departing employee was confirmed to be in line with the regulations for departing staff at the time. UEFA also noted that such regulations have been tightened since 2016, and current staff regulations now reflect those found in modern, high-profile organisations.
The FIFA president’s position continues to be supported by the organisation’s member associations, as stated by a FIFA spokesperson.
FIFA has indicated it will not accept any challenge to Infantino’s position before the election scheduled for next March.
Source: skysports.com
