Infantino saga: FIFA defends embattled president after fresh UEFA allegations

Infantino saga: FIFA defends embattled president after fresh UEFA allegations FIFA has launched a strong defence of Gianni Infantino after a turbulent week for football’s governing body. They accused his critics of attempting to undermine the president through allegations and misinformation. The intervention came after UEFA confirmed that a payment was made to a female employee who was alleged to have been involved in a relationship with Infantino during his time as UEFA general secretary . Reports have described the payment as a substantial exit settlement, adding to the controversy around a FIFA president already facing growing opposition from European football. Still, Infantino refuses to resign and continues to battle on. FIFA has rejected the allegations against Infantino and insisted that the Swiss-Italian remains in office with a legitimate democratic mandate from the organisation’s 211 member associations. A FIFA spokesperson said the organisation would not support or facilitate any attempt to challenge the presidential election process outside its established statutes and governance procedures. “Recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its President,” FIFA said . They also claimed there was an ongoing effort by some individuals to undermine both FIFA and Infantino. They argued that those without sufficient support among member associations should not attempt to achieve through allegations what they cannot accomplish through democratic processes. The statement comes against the backdrop of an increasingly bitter relationship between FIFA and UEFA. UEFA said it would continue to boycott competitions under Infantino if he remains president, following the collapse of his controversial proposal to sell £3.1 billion worth of World Cup commercial stakes to private investors. FIFA maintains that Infantino’s record should be judged on his contribution to football over more than three decades. The governing body highlighted his efforts to broaden access to resources and opportunities across world football. It also insisted that legitimate scrutiny is welcome, but warned that inaccurate or misleading reporting would be challenged directly and vigorously. Meanwhile, UEFA are ready to open an investigation into Infantino’s time with the body as they continue to bring the strongest offence against the FIFA chief.