FIFA has pushed back against what it described as coordinated efforts to undermine the organisation and its president, Gianni Infantino, insisting that he continues to enjoy the mandate of its member associations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the world football governing body said it would neither support nor facilitate any process relating to the election of its president that violates FIFA’s statutes, democratic procedures or established governance framework.
FIFA stressed that Infantino was democratically elected by its member associations and remains in office with their mandate.
The organisation said recent statements from continental bodies, including CONMEBOL and CAF, as well as discussions with member associations and confederations worldwide, had reinforced its position.
FIFA said it had become increasingly evident that some individuals were engaged in what it called a sustained effort to weaken the organisation and its president.
The governing body also warned that individuals who lacked the support of FIFA’s member associations should not attempt to achieve through allegations, insinuations or misinformation what they could not accomplish through established democratic processes.
FIFA further dismissed what it described as recent unsubstantiated reports and false claims concerning the organisation and Infantino.
It said repeated allegations should not be treated as facts simply because they had been circulated widely.
Defending Infantino’s record, FIFA said the president had devoted more than three decades to European and global football and had contributed to expanding access, resources and opportunities across the sport.
The organisation acknowledged that reforms could challenge established interests but argued that disagreements should not be used to undermine the president’s democratic mandate.
FIFA said it remained open to legitimate scrutiny but would challenge inaccurate or misleading reports.
The statement comes amid continued controversy over FIFA’s proposed initiative involving private investment in the World Cup, which was eventually withdrawn following opposition from several stakeholders.
The controversy has increased scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership ahead of the next FIFA presidential election, with the governing body maintaining that any electoral process must comply with its statutes and established democratic procedures.