FIFA has issued a new statement addressing the ongoing criticism surrounding its president, Gianni Infantino, amid reports that UEFA is considering launching an investigation into the conduct of the 56-year-old official.
According to an investigation by the Telegraph, Infantino—already under intense pressure following the collapse of plans to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup—allegedly paid money to a purported mistress during his tenure as UEFA general secretary.
A FIFA spokesperson categorically denied these claims, calling them “blatantly false accusations.”
The report claims that UEFA paid a six-figure sum to a woman who was allegedly involved with Infantino, who is married, during his 16 years in a leadership role within European football.
“FIFA President Gianni Infantino vehemently denies these allegations, which are completely unfounded. Any insinuations of misconduct or breaches of statutes or regulations are defamatory. No UEFA or FIFA employee has ever filed a complaint about Mr. Infantino’s behavior, as no such incident has ever occurred,” the FIFA representative told the Telegraph.
However, the Telegraph further reports that UEFA may initiate a formal investigation into Infantino’s conduct throughout his 16-year tenure with the organization.
The report states UEFA aims to clarify the nature of the payments and whether the alleged relationship influenced staff decisions during his time as general secretary.
Despite a wave of recent scandals and negative headlines, Infantino is pushing to secure a fourth and final term as FIFA president.
While 55 UEFA member associations have reportedly lost trust in the Swiss-Italian administrator, other countries and confederations, including Argentina and Mexico, continue to support him.
Late on Saturday, FIFA released the following statement:
“In response to recent statements from CONMEBOL and CAF, as well as discussions with FIFA member associations and confederations worldwide, FIFA will not endorse, facilitate, or permit any process related to the FIFA presidential election that violates the FIFA Statutes, democratic procedures, and the established governance system. The FIFA President was democratically elected by FIFA member associations and continues to fulfill his duties under their mandate.
It is increasingly clear that some parties are making deliberate and persistent attempts to undermine the authority of FIFA and its president. Those without the backing of FIFA member associations should not seek to achieve their aims through accusations, insinuations, or misinformation that cannot be realized within FIFA’s established democratic processes.
Recent reports have contained unfounded claims and knowingly false statements about FIFA and its president. Speculation and insinuations should not be presented as facts, and repetition does not make such claims true.
The FIFA President has devoted over 30 years of his professional life to European and global football, contributing significantly to changes in the game, particularly in expanding access, resources, and opportunities worldwide. Change inevitably challenges entrenched interests, but disagreement with these changes does not justify attempts to undermine the democratic mandate of the FIFA President or the organization he was elected to lead.
FIFA welcomes legitimate oversight. However, thorough scrutiny does not permit the distortion of facts, the inflation of baseless accusations, or the creation of distractions intended to derail progress. Where reports are inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will respond directly and decisively.
FIFA’s responsibility lies with its 211 member associations and with football worldwide. We will not be distracted from strengthening the organization, serving our member associations, and continuing our work to make football a truly global sport. Thanks to the FIFA President and the FIFA administration, we remain firmly focused on this mission and determined to accomplish it.”
