FIFA decries ‘concerted’ effort to undermine Infantino as crisis deepens

Statement comes after Infantino denies claims that UEFA paid off his alleged lover while he was the body’s general secretary. FIFA warns against what it calls a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine President Gianni Infantino, saying attempts to challenge his ⁠leadership must follow the ⁠governing body’s statutes and democratic procedures. The statement on Saturday came amid an increasingly bitter standoff over Infantino’s leadership following the collapse of his proposal to raise about $4.2bn by selling a stake ⁠in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other tournaments. The plan triggered criticism from UEFA, national associations and senior FIFA officials; led to calls for Infantino to resign; and prompted a crisis meeting in Morocco ⁠this past week, at which FIFA’s leadership reaffirmed its support for the president. FIFA did not identify those it said were seeking to undermine Infantino or specify which reports or allegations it was referring to.

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