FIFA defends Infantino, accuses critics of trying to undermine him
FIFA has publicly defended its president Gianni Infantino, accusing critics of seeking to “undermine” him, according to Africanews. The latest defence from football’s world governing body comes after UEFA confirmed that a “departure payment” was made to an alleged former mistress during Infantino’s earlier tenure at the European football body.
Infantino served as UEFA’s Secretary General from 2009 before being elected FIFA president in February 2016, succeeding Sepp Blatter, who was banned over ethics violations. The Swiss-Italian football administrator has since won two further mandates, most recently being re-elected unopposed in March 2023 for a term running through 2027.
UEFA disclosed the payment while responding to inquiries about Infantino’s past at the organisation, as Africanews reported. UEFA, the governing body of European football based in Nyon, Switzerland, did not immediately expand on the nature or circumstances of the payment.
FIFA’s response characterises the criticism as a coordinated attempt to destabilise the organisation and its leadership. The statement frames the attacks as politically motivated efforts to question Infantino’s position rather than address substantive governance concerns.
The dispute comes as FIFA prepares for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the first edition of the men’s tournament to feature 48 nations. Infantino has positioned himself as a reformer of the global game since taking office, pushing an expanded international calendar, increased revenue distributions to member associations, and a larger commercial footprint for the World Cup and the revamped Club World Cup.
Sources
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