Fifa slams media for 'concerted effort' to undermine Infantino

The world football governing body Fifa has launched a blistering counterattack against critics, alleging a coordinated and ongoing campaign to undermine both the organization and its embattled president, Gianni Infantino. The statement came after Uefa confirmed over the weekend that it had made a departure payment to a former female employee who, according to a report, was allegedly romantically linked to Infantino during his time as Uefa's general secretary.

Allegations and Uefa's confirmation

The Daily Telegraph reported on Friday that the woman received a six-figure sum following her exit, in addition to tuition fees for an MBA course. Uefa acknowledged the payment, maintaining it was made in compliance with rules in force at the time. Infantino and Fifa have categorically denied the alleged relationship, dismissing any suggestion of impropriety as defamatory and false.

Fifa's late Saturday statement went further, attacking the media coverage itself. Repeating that Infantino was democratically elected by member associations and holds their mandate, Fifa argued that those lacking support in that democratic framework should not resort to accusations, insinuation, or misinformation to achieve their goals.

Fifa's impassioned defense

Condemning recent reporting as containing "unsubstantiated assertions" and "demonstrably false claims," Fifa insisted that speculation must not be presented as fact and repetition does not turn an allegation into truth. The statement praised Infantino as a leader who has devoted more than three decades of his professional life to European and world football.

While welcoming legitimate scrutiny, Fifa cautioned that scrutiny should not be a license to distort facts, amplify baseless allegations, or manufacture distractions from progress. The organization pledged to challenge inaccurate or misleading reporting directly and vigorously.

Mounting pressure on Infantino

The new controversy deepens existing pressures on Infantino. His ambition to secure private investment for a company that would operate Fifa's competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups, recently collapsed after widespread resistance. Uefa, which represents 55 European football associations, has threatened to lead a boycott of Fifa events, and it said on Thursday that the withdrawal of the investment scheme "changes nothing."

With a Fifa presidential election scheduled for next March, calls for a formal challenge to Infantino's leadership have grown, although Fifa itself has indicated that it will not entertain any such challenge before the vote.

What lies ahead

Fifa insists it will not be distracted from its obligations to its 211 member associations and to the global game, vowing to continue efforts to make football truly universal. That message may appease some, but the combination of personal allegations and institutional turmoil suggests the pressure on Infantino is unlikely to subside quickly. As the election approaches, the struggle between those demanding accountability and those defending the president's mandate looks set to intensify.