Zurich: FIFA has mounted a firm defence of its President, Gianni Infantino, claiming there is a coordinated attempt to undermine both the world football governing body and its leader, while reaffirming its commitment to democratic processes and governance.

In a statement posted on X by FIFA Media, a FIFA spokesperson stated that the organisation would not support, facilitate, or tolerate any process regarding the election of the FIFA President that runs counter to FIFA's statutes, democratic procedures, and established governance framework.

The statement reflected recent comments made by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), along with deliberations involving FIFA Member Associations and Confederations globally.

"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 FIFA President was democratically elected by FIFA's Member Associations and continues to serve with their mandate," the spokesperson said.

FIFA alleged that an active effort was underway by certain parties to weaken the organisation and its president.

"It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President. 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," the statement added.

The governing body also condemned what it characterised as "unsubstantiated assertions" and "demonstrably false claims" featured in recent media coverage concerning FIFA and Infantino.

"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," it further added.

Emphasising Infantino's track record in the sport, FIFA noted that the president has spent more than three decades serving European and world football, playing a central role in expanding access, funding, and opportunities globally.

"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. 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," the statement said, as quoted by FIFA Media's X handle.

According to FIFA, although structural reforms may challenge established interests, opposition to such changes does not validate efforts to subvert the democratic mandate of the FIFA President or the body he leads.

The organisation added that while it welcomes legitimate oversight, it cautioned against the distortion of facts and the amplification of unverified claims.

"FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny. But scrutiny is not a licence to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations or manufacture distractions designed to undermine progress. Where reporting is inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will challenge it directly and vigorously," the statement said.

Reiterating its primary obligations, FIFA stated its duty lies with its 211 Member Associations and the wider football community.

"FIFA's responsibility is to its 211 Member Associations and to football around the world. We will not be distracted or diverted from strengthening the organisation, delivering for our Member Associations and continuing the work of making football truly global. 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.

Both FIFA and Infantino have faced sharp scrutiny following the announcement of the FFE, a proposed entity designed to consolidate the commercial rights of FIFA — including broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing, and licensing — alongside tournament operations. Under the framework, FIFA aimed to generate up to USD 4.2 billion by selling minority, non-controlling stakes in the FFE to private investors.

However, the initiative sparked substantial backlash across the football landscape, particularly from UEFA, which argued that the sport, especially its flagship FIFA World Cup, was being commercialised inappropriately. Additionally, CONCACAF, the governing body for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, noted that its members expressed "deep concerns" over the venture, citing a lack of procedural rigour, an abbreviated consultation timeline, and the absence of oversight or approval from relevant FIFA governance panels.

Following widespread opposition from international football bodies, FIFA subsequently abandoned its plans to launch the FFE. Nevertheless, Infantino continues to encounter opposition, with England's Football Association (FA) preparing to withdraw its backing for his re-election campaign, following a similar move by the Football Association of Wales, which became the first governing body to withdraw its support.

ANI