In a statement on 8/8, FIFA strongly refuted what it called "unsubstantiated claims and demonstrably false accusations," arguing that this information aims to weaken Infantino's authority and force his removal without going through the prescribed re-election process.

"It is increasingly clear that certain parties are undertaking an organized and sustained effort to undermine FIFA and its President," FIFA stated. The organization stressed that those who do not receive the support of member associations should not seek to achieve their goals through "accusations, innuendo, or misinformation," but rather by using FIFA's established democratic processes.

Recent allegations published by the Telegraph claim that while Infantino was working for the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), he allegedly had an affair with a subordinate employee. To maintain the relationship, he reportedly promoted the woman and increased her salary by 30%. Subsequently, UEFA terminated the woman's employment with a six-figure compensation package, which included an MBA course at a business school worth 60,000 USD per year.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) and UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin at the UEFA Congress in Maison de la Mutualite, Paris, France, on 8/2/2024. Photo: Reuters

A FIFA spokesperson told the Telegraph that Infantino "completely rejects these allegations, and they are entirely untrue." FIFA further declared, "Recent publications include unsubstantiated claims and demonstrably false accusations related to FIFA and its President. Speculation and innuendo should not be presented as facts, and repeating an accusation does not make it true."

Infantino had already been under pressure after three continental federations opposed a plan to seek private funding for FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a company expected to operate FIFA tournaments and sell World Cup stakes to investors. The plan was canceled on 31/7 due to widespread internal opposition within FIFA and boycott threats from UEFA. Infantino also apologized to member associations for how the proposal was developed and rolled out.

UEFA, where Infantino worked for 16 years and served as General Secretary from 2009 to 2016 before being elected FIFA President, has led the criticism against him. Last week, UEFA stated that its 55 member associations could still boycott FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, despite Infantino's apology for the failed plan.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with the World Cup trophy during a press conference at Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico, on 10/6/2026. Photo: Reuters

Following a meeting of senior FIFA leaders in Morocco on 5/8, the organization acknowledged "mistakes were made" in the aforementioned proposal but simultaneously "reaffirmed its full support" for Infantino's presidency. While UEFA maintains its boycott threat, Infantino has received considerable support from regions outside Europe.

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), which is advocating for FIFA to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, announced on 6/8 that it does not support any move to unseat Infantino through an expedited process. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee also expressed "unanimous support" for Infantino.

CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North, Central America, and the Caribbean, criticized Infantino on 1/8, accusing him of "unilateral and serious governance failures" related to the private investor plan, and demanded a comprehensive review of his leadership. However, Mexico, a CONCACAF member, expressed its support for the FIFA head and agreed with the call to "continue developing football together for the benefit of all 211 member associations."

"Change will inevitably affect existing interests, but disagreement with that change cannot justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate of the FIFA President or the organization he was elected to lead," FIFA stated. FIFA affirmed that it welcomes legitimate oversight but argues that oversight "is not a license to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated accusations, or create distracting issues to hinder progress." "For inaccurate or misleading information, FIFA will directly and strongly refute it," the statement said.

Hong Duy (via ESPN)