FIFA stands firm against efforts to challenge President Infantino

FIFA has pushed back against what it calls attempts to weaken the organization and its president. The body insists that its leadership has full support from member associations.

In a statement released on Saturday, FIFA declared it will not back or take part in any election process for its president that does not follow its rules, democratic procedures, and governance guidelines.

FIFA stated that the president was “democratically elected by FIFA’s Member Associations” and continues to work with their support.

“Echoing the recent statements of CONMEBOL and CAF, as well as discussions with FIFA Member Associations and Confederations from around the world, FIFA will not support, facilitate or tolerate any process concerning the election of the FIFA President that is inconsistent with FIFA’s Statutes, democratic procedures and established governance framework,” the statement said.

The organization noted that “there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President.”

FIFA warned that those lacking support from member associations should not try to use accusations or false information to achieve what they could not get through proper democratic means.

“Those who do not have the support of FIFA’s Member Associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes,” it said.

The statement also dismissed recent news reports that FIFA called unfounded and false about the organization and its president.

“Recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its President. Speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repetition does not make an allegation true,” FIFA stated.

FIFA defended the president’s long history in football, noting he has worked in the sport for over 30 years and has pushed for changes in the game.

“The FIFA President has dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to European and world football, contributing to significant change in the game and, in particular, to broadening access, resources and opportunity across world football,” the statement said.

FIFA recognized that these changes might upset some established interests but insisted disagreements should not be used to question the president’s mandate or the organization.

“Change inevitably challenges established interests, but disagreement with that change cannot justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate of FIFA’s President or the institution he was elected to lead,” it added.

The governing body said it is open to valid scrutiny but cautioned against what it called misleading reporting and unfounded claims.

“FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny. But scrutiny is not a licence to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations or manufacture distractions designed to undermine progress,” it stated.

“Where reporting is inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will challenge it directly and vigorously.”

FIFA emphasized its duty to its 211 member associations and global football. It plans to continue strengthening the organization and serving its members.

“Through the FIFA President and the FIFA administration, our focus remains firmly on that mission, and we are more determined than ever to fulfil it,” the statement concluded.

This statement comes amid ongoing controversy regarding FIFA’s initiative, which was withdrawn after pushback from stakeholders. FIFA later apologized for the situation.

This issue has increased scrutiny of FIFA’s president and the organization’s decision-making process. FIFA insists that any election process must align with its rules and democratic procedures.