'Scrutiny Is Not A Licence To Distort Facts': FIFA Backs Infantino Amid Fresh Allegations

Scrutiny is not a licence to distort facts: FIFA backs Infantino amid fresh allegations (Image Source: IANS)

FIFA Member Associations: FIFA has strongly defended president Gianni Infantino amid growing criticism of his leadership, saying he continues to have the democratic mandate of the world football body's 211 member associations and warning against attempts to remove him outside established procedures.

The statement comes after a report in Daily Telegraph claimed Infantino's female staffer was given a severance payment by Uefa while he was its general secretary. Infantino worked at UEFA for 16 years before being elected FIFA president.

FIFA, however, insisted that any process seeking to challenge Infantino must follow its statutes and democratic framework.

'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," FIFA said in an official statement.

The governing body also claimed that there was an organised effort by some parties to weaken FIFA and its president, arguing that leadership changes should only be pursued through the body's existing democratic system.

"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.

FIFA also hit back at recent reports and allegations involving Infantino, saying some claims were not supported by evidence and warning that repeated allegations should not automatically be treated as facts.

"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 said.

"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 added.

FIFA acknowledged that its leadership and decisions can face legitimate scrutiny but said criticism should not be used to spread inaccurate information or undermine the organisation.

"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," it added.

The statement comes after Argentina's football association, along with the African Football Association and the South American federation, publicly backed Infantino and urged FIFA members to continue working under his leadership. Norway, meanwhile, has called for him to resign, while UEFA has said it no longer has confidence in the FIFA president.

"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," it added.

"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," the governing body said.

Article Source: IANS