World football governing body FIFA released a statement on Saturday supporting president Gianni Infantino against what it called a concerted effort by some to weaken the organization and its leader. The federation denounced unsubstantiated claims and false allegations reported by media outlets in recent days.
The statement said recent publications contained unverified assertions and false claims about FIFA and Infantino. It added that speculation and insinuations should not be presented as facts and that repeating an allegation does not make it true, though FIFA did not specify which reports it was addressing.
FIFA said it welcomed legitimate critical examination, but stated that such scrutiny must not distort facts, amplify unsupported allegations, or create artificial distractions to hinder progress.
Allegations regarding UEFA tenure
The response follows a report published on Friday by British newspaper The Telegraph. The daily reported that Infantino used his position as UEFA general secretary, a role he held from 2009 to 2016, to promote an employee with whom he was having an affair.
According to the newspaper, after receiving a promotion, the woman was paid a six-figure severance package approved by Infantino upon her departure in an unspecified year. The report added that her tuition fees for a business school were also paid, amounting to about 50,000 euros.
When contacted by AFP, UEFA acknowledged that a payment was made at that time alongside tuition fees for an MBA program at a local business school. European football's governing body emphasized that the payment complied with staff regulations in place at the time.
European opposition and ethics complaints
Infantino, who is seeking re-election in March, faces growing opposition following disclosures in late July regarding a plan to open FIFA to private investors, a proposal that was later dropped. UEFA has threatened a World Cup boycott by European teams, considering the withdrawal of the plan insufficient.
Several European federations, including Finland, Serbia, Sweden, Wales, and Denmark, have publicly announced they will not back Infantino for re-election. On Friday, the Norwegian Football Federation called for his resignation.
The Norwegian body also decided to submit three matters to the FIFA ethics committee. These cover the abandoned private investment project, the decision to lift the suspension of American player Folarin Balogun at the 2026 World Cup following intervention by Donald Trump, and FIFA awarding a peace prize to the US president.
Currently, only the African Confederation and Lionel Messi's Argentina appear to maintain their support for Infantino.
Electoral process and governance
In its Saturday statement, FIFA affirmed that it will not support, facilitate, or tolerate any presidential election process that violates its statutes, democratic procedures, or governance framework. The organization added that Infantino was democratically elected by member associations and continues to serve under their mandate.
