FIFA Denounces Alleged Plot to Remove Infantino Amid Growing Re-Election Tensions
FIFA has strongly rejected what it describes as a coordinated campaign aimed at weakening the organisation and removing its president, Gianni Infantino, from office.
In a late-night statement, football’s world governing body accused unnamed individuals of attempting to undermine its leadership through allegations, insinuations and what it described as misinformation.
The statement comes amid increasing pressure on Infantino following opposition to his reported plan to sell stakes in World Cup-related assets to private investors.
The controversy has also intensified after a series of critical reports in the British media about Infantino’s previous tenure at UEFA.
FIFA directly addressed the reports, describing some of the claims as “unsubstantiated assertions” and “demonstrably false” allegations.
The organisation warned that speculation should not be presented as established fact and stressed that repeating an allegation does not make it true.
European opposition grows
Infantino’s position has come under further pressure after several European football associations reportedly withdrew their support for his re-election.
The English Football Association and the Croatian Football Federation are among those said to have formally opposed his continued leadership.
Earlier, UEFA’s 55 member associations reportedly threatened a boycott if the proposed investment plan went ahead, highlighting the growing disagreement between Infantino and influential European football stakeholders.
Despite the opposition, FIFA maintains that Infantino continues to have a legitimate democratic mandate after being elected by its member associations.
The organisation also pointed to continued support from major confederations, including CONMEBOL and CAF.
FIFA rejects attempts outside its statutes
In its statement, FIFA said it would not support or facilitate any attempt to alter the presidential election process outside the organisation’s established statutes and democratic procedures.
The governing body argued that anyone without sufficient support among FIFA’s 211 member associations should not attempt to achieve through allegations or misinformation what they cannot secure through the organisation’s formal governance mechanisms.
FIFA said:
“It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President.”
The organisation also defended Infantino’s record, noting that he has spent more than three decades working in European and international football.
According to FIFA, his leadership has contributed to expanding access to football, resources and opportunities around the world.
‘Change challenges established interests’
FIFA argued that reforms will inevitably create resistance from established interests but insisted that disagreements over Infantino’s policies should not be used to undermine his mandate or the institution he leads.
The organisation also said it welcomes legitimate scrutiny of its leadership and operations.
However, it drew a distinction between legitimate journalism and what it considers inaccurate or misleading reporting.
“Scrutiny is not a licence to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations or manufacture distractions designed to undermine progress.”
FIFA said it would challenge reports it considers inaccurate or misleading.
Infantino remains focused on FIFA’s mandate
The governing body concluded by reaffirming that its responsibility lies with its 211 member associations and football globally.
It said the organisation would not allow the ongoing controversy to distract it from its objectives, including strengthening FIFA, delivering for its member associations and continuing efforts to expand the global reach of football.
The latest confrontation further highlights the growing political tensions surrounding Infantino’s leadership as opposition from parts of European football increases.
While FIFA insists that the president’s mandate remains intact, the withdrawal of support by some European associations and the continuing dispute over his investment proposals could make the period ahead increasingly challenging for the FIFA president.
