FIFA decries ‘concerted’ effort to undermine Infantino as crisis deepens

Statement comes after Infantino denies claims that UEFA paid off his alleged lover while he was the body’s general secretary.Published On 9 Aug 20269 Aug 2026FIFA warns against what ‌it calls a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine President Gianni Infantino, saying attempts to challenge his ⁠leadership must follow the ⁠governing body’s statutes and democratic procedures.The statement on Saturday came amid an increasingly bitter standoff over Infantino’s leadership following the collapse of his proposal to raise about $4.2bn by selling a stake ⁠in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other tournaments.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Lionel Messi’s father dies aged 68 after a long illnesslist 2 of 4Top 10 players to watch in the 2026-27 European football seasonlist 3 of 4Atletico Madrid will not sell Alvarez amid Barcelona interest, says Simeonelist 4 of 4FIFA’s Infantino backed in Colombia where he attends president inaugurationend of listThe plan triggered criticism from UEFA, national associations and senior FIFA officials; led to calls for Infantino to resign; and prompted a crisis meeting in Morocco ⁠this past week, at which FIFA’s leadership reaffirme...