Kathmandu— FIFA issued a formal warning on Saturday against what it described as a concerted and ongoing effort to undermine the organization and its president, Gianni Infantino, following a series of leadership challenges and controversial reports. The defensive stance comes as the footballing body faces mounting pressure from European officials and media reports concerning both a failed investment proposal and allegations regarding Infantino’s past conduct.

Leadership Crisis and Investment Dispute

The tension within the organization intensified following a failed proposal to create a subsidiary to manage the men’s World Cup and other major events. The plan, which included offering up to a 20% stake to external investors, sparked significant backlash from various footballing entities.

European governing body UEFA threatened to boycott future World Cups in response to the proposal, while several national associations and senior FIFA officials joined the criticism. The fallout from the shelved investment plan has increasingly overshadowed Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as president.

Allegations and Denials

Pressure on the president increased following a report by the Daily Telegraph alleging that a six-figure sum was paid to a female employee who was reportedly in a relationship with him during his tenure as UEFA general secretary. UEFA confirmed that it had made a departure payment and funded the individual’s MBA course, stating both actions were in line with regulations at the time.

Gianni Infantino has strongly denied the allegations, which a FIFA spokesman described as “categorically untrue.” In a statement released Saturday, FIFA addressed the scrutiny by noting that recent reporting has included “unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its President.”

Internal Divisions and Support

The organization remains deeply divided over its leadership. Following a recent crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco, UEFA stated it no longer has confidence in Infantino, and Norwegian FA President Lise Klaveness has called for his resignation.

However, Infantino maintains significant support from other major blocs. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed unanimous support for his leadership, and South American governing body CONMEBOL has opposed any attempt to remove him without a vote from all member associations. FIFA has urged critics to seek change through established democratic processes rather than through “allegation, insinuation or misinformation.”

Infantino recently persuaded FIFA’s Board of Management to express full support for his leadership during a crisis meeting in Morocco.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.