FIFA attacks critics trying to 'undermine' Gianni Infantino

What the report says

FIFA has issued a strong defense of president Gianni Infantino, saying critics are engaged in a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine him. The comments come as questions continue around claims that UEFA paid money to a woman described in some reports as an alleged mistress while Infantino was in charge of European football’s governing body.

The Sky News World report says FIFA framed the criticism as part of a broader campaign against its president, rather than as a response to a single episode. The dispute adds to longstanding scrutiny of Infantino, who has been one of the most prominent and controversial figures in world football administration.

UEFA, the European governing body, is central to the background of the dispute because the allegations relate to a period when Infantino worked there before later becoming FIFA president. While the public snippet does not provide details of any investigation or formal finding, the episode highlights continued tensions between football institutions and their senior officials.

The matter matters because Infantino leads the sport’s global governing body, and any controversy surrounding his conduct can affect confidence in FIFA’s leadership. Based on the evidence provided, Sky News reports FIFA’s rebuttal of the criticism, but not a final resolution of the claims.