"Unsubstantiated Claims and Clearly False Allegations": Infantino and FIFA's Counter-Attack

Following the recent tensions surrounding the proposed sale of World Cup shares, FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, have launched a firm and offensive counter-attack. In a strongly worded statement, they assert that no concessions will be made for any potential opponent in the upcoming presidential election.

There is no sign of resignation from Gianni Infantino. This Saturday evening, FIFA, the organization he presides over, released a sharp statement in response to weeks of tension that have marked the governance of world football. The leader clearly had messages to convey before the election for the presidency of the organization next March.

"Echoing the recent statements from CONMEBOL and CAF, as well as discussions with FIFA member associations and confederations worldwide, FIFA will not support, facilitate, or tolerate any process concerning the FIFA presidential election that is incompatible with the FIFA Statutes, democratic procedures, and the established governance framework. The FIFA President was democratically elected by FIFA member associations and continues to serve with their mandate," the statement reiterates.

The document addresses "allegations, insinuations, or disinformation" in a context highlighted by new revelations from The Telegraph, which claimed that UEFA had paid a significant, six-figure sum to an employee who was allegedly Gianni Infantino's mistress. This echoes weeks of tension surrounding the proposed sale of World Cup shares to private investors, which provoked an outcry from the football world, particularly from organizations like UEFA and CONCACAF.

FIFA Sees an Attempt to "Undermine the Democratic Mandate of the FIFA President or the Institution He Was Elected to Lead"

"Recent reports have included unsubstantiated claims and clearly false allegations concerning FIFA and its President. Speculation and insinuation should not be presented as facts, and repetition does not make an allegation true," FIFA clarifies in its statement. It perceives this climate as maneuvers to "undermine the democratic mandate of the FIFA President or the institution he was elected to lead."

"We will not be distracted or diverted from our goal of strengthening the organization, serving our member associations, and continuing the work of making football truly global. Through the FIFA President and the FIFA administration, our focus remains firmly on this mission, and we are more determined than ever to achieve it," the document concludes. Gianni Infantino is seeking a new term at the head of the organization. The election is scheduled for March 18, 2027.