FIFA has publicly defended president Gianni Infantino against fresh allegations, accusing unnamed critics of orchestrating a concerted campaign to destabilise his leadership. The world football governing body said the criticism was part of a wider effort to undermine him, and stressed that Infantino continues to enjoy robust support from various continental federations despite European discontent.
The defence comes as five influential African football leaders have backed Infantino amid a row over private investment in the World Cup. Their endorsement adds to a growing show of support from outside Europe, where some officials have voiced dissatisfaction.
Separately, UEFA acknowledged making a severance payment to a former employee associated with Infantino. The acknowledgment follows scrutiny of the payment, though no wrongdoing has been alleged.
FIFA's statement did not name the detractors it accused of running the campaign against its president. The organisation described the allegations as part of a broader pattern of attacks aimed at weakening its leadership.
The show of support from African leaders signals that Infantino retains significant backing within the global football community, even as questions continue to circulate in Europe. The specific nature of the private investment row and the details of the severance payment have not been fully disclosed.