FIFA has strongly rejected what it describes as a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine the organisation and its president, Gianni Infantino, amid growing criticism from European football authorities. The statement follows reports concerning allegations about Infantino’s private life and a severance payment reportedly made by UEFA to an alleged former lover. FIFA said the claims are unsubstantiated, while Infantino has categorically denied the allegations. Infantino has also faced mounting opposition over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which would have created a new comp

FIFA has strongly rejected what it describes as a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine the organisation and its president, Gianni Infantino, amid growing criticism from European football authorities.

The statement follows reports concerning allegations about Infantino’s private life and a severance payment reportedly made by UEFA to an alleged former lover. FIFA said the claims are unsubstantiated, while Infantino has categorically denied the allegations.

Infantino has also faced mounting opposition over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which would have created a new company to manage commercial and ticketing rights, with a 21% stake potentially sold to a private investment firm. UEFA has said it has lost confidence in the FIFA president and has maintained the possibility of boycotting FIFA events.

FIFA, however, argues that Infantino was democratically elected by its member associations and continues to serve with their mandate. The organisation accused some critics of attempting to achieve through allegations and misinformation what they could not achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes.

The opposition is largely concentrated in Europe. Meanwhile, the Mexican Football Federation has expressed support for Infantino, while CONMEBOL has insisted that any attempt to remove him must involve a vote by all 211 FIFA member associations.

Infantino also retains unanimous backing from CAF’s 54 member associations, giving him significant support outside Europe.

FIFA said it welcomes legitimate scrutiny but warned that criticism should not become a platform for spreading unsubstantiated allegations or misleading information. It added that it would challenge inaccurate or misleading reporting “directly and vigorously.

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