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FIFA warns against efforts to remove Infantino
FIFA opposed efforts to remove President Gianni Infantino, stating that decision-making authority rests with the democratic processes of its 211 member associations. The statement came after a proposal to sell up to 20 percent of the commercial rights to FIFA tournaments was withdrawn.
As Gianni Infantino's future as FIFA president remains under discussion, the organization said that procedures for electing a new president must comply with its statutes and democratic processes.
In a statement on Sunday, FIFA said Infantino, who was elected by the democratic votes of member associations, continues to serve within the mandate granted by those associations. The organization said that individuals who cannot secure the support of member associations should not attempt to achieve through allegations, insinuations or misleading information results they cannot obtain through democratic means.
FIFA says it will respond to allegations
FIFA argued that some reports recently published about the organization and its president contained baseless and plainly false allegations. The organization announced that it would respond directly and forcefully to reports it considers inaccurate or misleading.
The statement did not name the individuals or organizations accused of attempting to weaken Infantino's position. FIFA also did not identify the reports containing the allegations.
Claim of payment involving former employee rejected
FIFA's statement came after a report published in the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph. The report alleged that Infantino used his influence to ensure that UEFA paid a former employee with whom he had an emotional relationship while he was UEFA secretary general from 2009 to 2016.
FIFA said the allegation was baseless and did not reflect the truth.
Commercial rights plan sparked controversy
Pressure on Infantino reportedly increased after a proposal to sell stakes in the commercial rights to the World Cup and other tournaments was withdrawn.
FIFA apologized to its 211 member associations after a crisis meeting held in Morocco on August 5. The apology concerned mistakes in the proposal to sell stakes in tournaments to investors. The organization later abandoned the plan.
The proposal envisaged selling private-sector investors stakes of up to 20 percent in FIFA events, including the World Cup, and raising approximately $4.2 billion to develop football.
The involvement in the process of a company with family ties to U.S. President Donald Trump led to wide-ranging debate over the proposal. UEFA and some other parties criticized FIFA for poor governance and inadequate consultation.
Associations took different positions
UEFA said it no longer trusted Infantino, while Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation, called on the FIFA president to resign on Friday.
The Confederation of African Football expressed support for Infantino on Thursday. The South American Football Confederation also announced that it would not accept any attempt to remove Infantino without a vote by all FIFA member associations.
The developments have intensified questions over whether Infantino will seek a fourth term at the FIFA Congress planned to take place in Morocco next March. No prominent candidate has so far announced plans to run against Infantino.
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