FIFA has accused critics of a coordinated campaign to undermine its president Gianni Infantino, responding to claims about his conduct during his time at European football's governing body UEFA.
Key facts
- FIFA has accused critics of a 'concerted and ongoing effort' to undermine president Gianni Infantino.
- The defence follows claims surrounding Infantino's conduct at UEFA.
- Reports include a claim that UEFA paid off an alleged mistress while Infantino led European football's governing body.
- FIFA framed the criticism as a coordinated campaign against both the president and the organisation.
Football’s world governing body FIFA has publicly defended its president, Gianni Infantino, accusing critics of what it described as a ‘concerted and ongoing effort’ to undermine both the organisation and its leader.
The statement comes amid claims surrounding Infantino’s conduct during his time at UEFA, European football’s governing body, according to Sky News. Among the allegations is a claim that UEFA paid off an alleged mistress while Infantino led the organisation.
According to Sky Sports, FIFA hit out at ‘a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine’ the governing body and its president over the claims relating to his time at UEFA.
FIFA’s response framed the criticism as a coordinated campaign rather than addressing the specific allegations point by point in the material reported. The governing body’s language positioned Infantino and the wider organisation as targets of the effort.
Infantino previously served at UEFA before taking up the presidency of FIFA. The current allegations relate to that earlier period at European football’s governing body, according to the reports.
The sources did not include a detailed rebuttal of the individual claims or any response from those making the allegations.
Why it matters
Gianni Infantino leads the organisation that governs world football, so questions about his conduct carry significant weight for the sport's governance and public trust. How FIFA responds to scrutiny of its president can shape perceptions of transparency and accountability at the top of the game.
Frequently asked questions
What has FIFA said about the criticism of Gianni Infantino?
FIFA accused critics of a 'concerted and ongoing effort' to undermine the governing body and its president Gianni Infantino, according to Sky News and Sky Sports.
What are the allegations about?
The claims surround Infantino's conduct during his time at UEFA, including a claim that UEFA paid off an alleged mistress while he led European football's governing body, according to Sky News.
Did FIFA address the specific claims?
Based on the reports available, FIFA characterised the criticism as a coordinated effort to undermine the president rather than providing a detailed point-by-point rebuttal in the cited material.