FIFA defends Infantino against allegations tied to his time at UEFA

• FIFA says it will not support or tolerate any attempt to change its presidency outside its statutes and democratic procedures.
• The governing body accuses unnamed parties of using allegations and misinformation to undermine the organization and its president.

FIFA has defended its president amid growing scrutiny over his leadership, saying any process seeking to challenge or replace him must comply with the organization’s statutes and established democratic procedures.

In a statement attributed to a FIFA spokesperson, the governing body said the president was “democratically elected” by its member associations and continues to serve with their mandate.

FIFA said it echoed recent statements from CONMEBOL and CAF, as well as discussions with member associations and confederations worldwide.

The organization said it would not “support, facilitate or tolerate” any process concerning the election of the FIFA president that does not follow its governance framework.

“It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President,” the statement said.

FIFA accused those behind the effort of attempting to use “allegation, insinuation or misinformation” to achieve outcomes they could not secure through established democratic processes.

FIFA also rejected what it described as unsubstantiated and false claims in recent reporting concerning the organization and its president.

“Speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repetition does not make an allegation true,” FIFA said.

The organization defended the president’s record, saying he has spent more than 30 years working in European and world football and has contributed to expanding access, resources and opportunities across the sport.

FIFA said it welcomes legitimate scrutiny but warned that inaccurate or misleading reporting would be challenged “directly and vigorously.”

The governing body said its focus remains on its 211 member associations and on strengthening the organization and expanding football globally.