FIFA warns against efforts to undermine Infantino amid growing tensions
ZURICH: FIFA on Saturday warned of what it described as a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine President Gianni Infantino, saying any challenge to his leadership must be conducted through the governing body’s statutes and democratic procedures.
The statement came as tensions over Infantino’s leadership have intensified following the collapse of a proposal to raise about $4.2 billion through the sale of a stake in the commercial rights to the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments.
The plan drew criticism from UEFA, national football associations and senior FIFA officials, with some calling for Infantino to step down. FIFA held a crisis meeting in Morocco this week, where its leadership reaffirmed support for the president.
FIFA did not identify those it said were attempting to undermine Infantino and did not specify which reports or allegations prompted the statement.
The governing body’s comments followed reports by Britain’s Daily Telegraph concerning payments made by UEFA to a former employee during Infantino’s tenure as the European governing body’s general secretary.
Infantino has denied the allegations, while FIFA has rejected them as unfounded.
The dispute adds to pressure on Infantino as FIFA seeks to maintain unity among its member associations and governing bodies ahead of a period of continued expansion of its international competitions and commercial operations.
