FIFA responds to criticism
FIFA has issued a statement addressing what it describes as a “concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” the governing body and its president, Gianni Infantino. This response follows claims regarding Infantino’s conduct during his time at UEFA.
UEFA confirmed on a Saturday that a “departure payment” was made to a female employee. This individual was alleged to have been in a relationship with Infantino when he served as the European organisation’s general secretary. Infantino, now FIFA president, has strongly denied these allegations.
Reports indicated the woman received a six-figure sum. UEFA confirmed this payment, along with covering fees for an MBA course, stating that the arrangement was “in line” with the regulations in place at the time. These regulations have since been tightened, according to UEFA, with current staff regulations reflecting those found in modern, high-profile organisations.
Allegations and presidential defence
The allegations have intensified scrutiny on Infantino, who worked at UEFA for 16 years, serving as its general secretary between 2009 and 2016 before his election as FIFA president. This comes after his plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors was aborted.
While not directly referencing UEFA’s statement, FIFA accused Infantino’s critics of attempting to weaken his authority and remove him from his role without a due re-election process. A spokesperson for FIFA stated that the president was democratically elected by FIFA’s member associations and continues to serve with their mandate.
The FIFA statement asserted that those without the support of FIFA’s member associations should not try to achieve through allegation, insinuation, or misinformation what they cannot achieve through established democratic processes. It also highlighted that recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and claims concerning FIFA and its president.
FIFA maintains that speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repetition does not make an allegation true. The organisation welcomes legitimate scrutiny but warns against distorting facts, amplifying unsubstantiated allegations, or manufacturing distractions designed to undermine progress.
The governing body emphasised that where reporting is inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will challenge it directly and vigorously. The statement also noted that Infantino has dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to European and world football, contributing to significant change in the game and broadening access, resources, and opportunity across world football.
Change, according to FIFA, inevitably challenges established interests, but disagreement with such change cannot justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate of FIFA’s president or the institution he was elected to lead. FIFA’s responsibility is to its 211 member associations and to football globally.
Ongoing tensions and future focus
The organisation affirmed its commitment to not be distracted or diverted from strengthening the organisation, delivering for its member associations, and continuing the work of making football truly global. Through the FIFA president and administration, the focus remains firmly on this mission.
Infantino’s proposal regarding private investment in FIFA’s competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, was rejected by UEFA and two other continental confederations. Despite this, Infantino received backing from FIFA’s management board following a meeting in Morocco, where he issued an apology over the process.
UEFA’s threat for its 55 member countries to boycott FIFA competitions until the plan was scrapped remains. The European confederation stated on a Thursday that a recent announcement “changes nothing” regarding its stance. Infantino’s position will not face a challenge before the election scheduled for next March.
Source: skysports.com