FIFA President Infantino Accuses UEFA of 'Smear Campaign'

FIFA has issued a strong defense of its president, Gianni Infantino, accusing UEFA and unspecified media outlets of orchestrating a "smear campaign" to undermine his leadership and the organization. The statement, released Saturday evening, came after UEFA announced it would continue boycotting FIFA competitions and in the wake of allegations regarding a "departure payment" made by UEFA to a former staffer with whom Infantino allegedly had a relationship during his time as UEFA general secretary.

FIFA labeled the allegations "categorically untrue" and stated that it "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 governing body emphasized that Infantino was democratically elected by FIFA’s Member Associations and continues to serve with their mandate.

"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 read. FIFA asserted that recent reporting contained "unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims" and warned that "speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repetition does not make an allegation true."

FIFA highlighted Infantino's three decades of service to football, stating his contributions have broadened access and resources globally. The organization suggested that change inevitably challenges established interests, but disagreement with such change does not justify efforts to undermine Infantino's democratic mandate or FIFA itself.

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

UEFA's decision to boycott FIFA competitions is seen by some as the primary method to force Infantino out. However, FIFA maintains that Infantino has the support of continental confederations including Africa, Asia, and South America, with only CONCACAF joining UEFA in opposition. This broad backing suggests Infantino has sufficient support to potentially secure a fourth term in the upcoming March election, despite the ongoing dispute with UEFA.