FIFA has taken a clear stance in support of Gianni Infantino, in light of recent developments and the discussions that have arisen regarding the presidency of the World Football Federation.

In an official statement, FIFA emphasizes that it will not support, facilitate, or tolerate any process for electing a president that is not compatible with its Statutes, democratic procedures, and the existing governance framework.

At the same time, it refers to a “coordinated and ongoing effort” by certain parties to undermine both the federation itself and its president, while responding to media reports that, as it claims, contain unsubstantiated allegations and demonstrably false claims.

The full text of FIFA’s statement is as follows:

“Following recent statements by 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 regarding the election of the FIFA President that is not in accordance with the FIFA Statutes, democratic procedures, and its established governance framework. The FIFA President was democratically elected by FIFA’s Member Associations and continues to serve on their behalf.

It is becoming increasingly clear that certain parties are making a coordinated and ongoing effort to undermine FIFA and its president. Those who do not have the support of FIFA’s Member Associations should not seek to achieve, through complaints, insinuations, or misinformation, what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes.

Recent media reports have contained unsubstantiated claims and demonstrably false statements regarding FIFA and its president. Speculation and insinuations should not be presented as facts, and repeating a claim does not make it true.

The FIFA President has dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to European and global soccer, contributing to significant changes in the sport and, in particular, to expanding access, resources, and opportunities throughout the global soccer community. Change inevitably clashes with vested interests, but opposition to this change cannot justify attempts to undermine the democratic mandate of the FIFA President or the organization he was elected to lead.

FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny. However, scrutiny does not constitute a license to distort the facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations, or create diversions designed to undermine progress. When reports are inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will challenge them immediately and forcefully.

FIFA’s responsibility is to its 211 Member Associations and to soccer around the world. We will not allow ourselves to be distracted or diverted from our efforts to strengthen the organization, fulfill our commitments to ourand to continue the work of making soccer truly global.

Through the FIFA President and the federation’s leadership, our focus remains firmly fixed on this mission, and we are more determined than ever to fulfill it.”

*photo source: AP