FIFA Defends Infantino Against Removal Efforts

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has sided with its president, Gianni Infantino, and warned against efforts to undermine his position outside the organization's established democratic rules.

The statement comes amid growing criticism of his leadership and calls for his resignation.

The crisis was triggered primarily by a failed plan to raise approximately $4.2bn by selling a stake in the commercial rights to the World Cup and other tournaments. The proposal was sharply criticized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), several national associations and part of FIFA's leadership.

In a statement, FIFA noted that the president was elected by member associations and that any attempts to remove him must be conducted in accordance with the organization's statutes. At the same time, it rejected “unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims” against Infantino.

At an extraordinary meeting in Morocco, FIFA's leadership once again expressed its full support for Infantino. However, his position remains precarious. UEFA announced that it no longer has confidence in him, and Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Association, called for his resignation.

Conversely, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Mexican Football Federation have rallied behind Infantino, rejecting any attempts to change the leadership without a vote by all FIFA member countries.

(Reuters, est)