FIFA defends Infantino's mandate amid growing divisions about his leadership

ISTANBUL - FIFA said late Saturday that it would not support or tolerate any attempt to hold an election for president outside the organisation's statutes, as divisions about Gianni Infantino's leadership deepen ahead of his bid for a fourth term, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

"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," FIFA said in a statement.

Football’s governing body said Infantino was "democratically elected by FIFA’s Member Associations" and continues to serve with their mandate.

It said the statement echoed recent positions from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as well as discussions with FIFA member associations and confederations worldwide.

FIFA said there was "a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President," accusing unnamed individuals of trying to achieve through allegations, insinuations or misinformation what they could not accomplish through the organisation's democratic processes.

"Recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its President," said FIFA.

"Speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repetition does not make an allegation true."

FIFA also defended Infantino's record, saying he has devoted more than 30 years to European and world football, and contributed to expanding access, resources and opportunities across the game.

"FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny," it said. "But scrutiny is not a licence to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations or manufacture distractions designed to undermine progress."

"FIFA’s responsibility is to its 211 Member Associations and to football around the world," it said. "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." - BERNAMA-ANADOLU