FIFA hits back at 'concerted' campaign to oust President Gianni Infantino

FIFA has defended Gianni Infantino against what it called a concerted effort to undermine him. The response comes as UEFA pressure and scrutiny over his past at UEFA intensify.

In Short

• A report questioned UEFA severance payment to a former female staff member
• Infantino strongly denied allegations about the nature of that relationship
• UEFA said the payout followed old rules, later tightened by reforms

FIFA has hit back at what it described as a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine president Gianni Infantino, accusing critics of using allegations and misinformation to challenge his leadership. The statement comes amid growing tensions with UEFA and fresh scrutiny over Infantino following reports concerning his time as UEFA general secretary.

FIFA's strong response followed a Daily Telegraph report that raised questions about a severance payment made by UEFA to a female staff member who had worked with Infantino during his time at the European governing body. The report also made allegations about the nature of their relationship, which Infantino has strongly denied.

UEFA confirmed that a departure payment had been made and said it was in accordance with the regulations that existed at the time. The organisation added that its rules around such payments have since been tightened.

The latest controversy comes at a particularly difficult time for Infantino, who is already facing resistance from European football over his aborted FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.

FIFA DEFENDS INFANTINO’S MANDATE

In its statement, FIFA insisted that Infantino's position remains backed by the organisation's democratic structures and the member associations that elected him.

“The FIFA President was democratically elected by FIFA’s Member Associations and continues to serve with their mandate,” FIFA said.

The governing body also pushed back against what it described as inaccurate reporting and unsupported claims.

“Speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repetition does not make an allegation true,” the statement added.

FIFA said legitimate scrutiny was welcome but warned that criticism should not be used to distort facts or undermine the organisation's established processes.

The governing body also pointed to Infantino's more than three decades in European and world football, arguing that his tenure had brought changes aimed at widening access, resources and opportunities across the sport.

UEFA DISPUTE ADDS TO PRESSURE

The latest defence of Infantino comes against the backdrop of an increasingly bitter dispute with UEFA.

Infantino faced heavy criticism after details emerged of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed commercial structure that would have involved creating a new company to manage commercial and ticketing rights, with a 21% stake potentially being sold to a private investment company.

UEFA has said it has lost confidence in Infantino and continues to keep a threat of boycotting FIFA competitions on the table. The European body has also said that recent assurances over the FFE proposal have not gone far enough to guarantee the plan cannot return.

Infantino subsequently apologised over the handling of the proposal after meeting members of FIFA's management board in Morocco. The organisation nevertheless maintained that it would not accept attacks on its governance or integrity.

INFANTINO RETAINS GLOBAL SUPPORT

While the strongest opposition has emerged from Europe, Infantino continues to have significant backing elsewhere.

CONMEBOL has supported his position, while the Confederation of African Football has unanimously backed him. Mexico's football federation has also broken with Concacaf to support the FIFA president, while the 2022 FIFA World Cup winners and 2026 runners-up Argentina have also joined that list.

FIFA's latest statement echoed that position, insisting that any attempt to alter the presidency must follow its statutes and democratic procedures.

“FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny,” the governing body said, while making clear that it would challenge reporting it considers inaccurate or misleading.

For now, the dispute leaves Infantino facing one of the most significant political challenges of his presidency, with FIFA insisting that its focus remains on its 211 member associations and its wider global football agenda.

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