ROME (ITALPRESS) – Much like in a football match, FIFA is defending itself by going on the offensive. It is defending its president, Gianni Infantino, who is at the center of a storm that now appears to extend beyond the world football governing body’s recent moves—ranging from the Balogun case to the FFE project. “It is becoming increasingly evident,” writes FIFA, “that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president. Those who lack the support of FIFA’s member associations should not seek to achieve—through accusations, innuendo, or disinformation—what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes.” With seven months remaining until the elections in Rabat, the statement reads: “FIFA will not support, facilitate, or tolerate any process regarding the election of the FIFA president that conflicts with FIFA’s Statutes, democratic procedures, and established governance framework. The FIFA president was democratically elected by the member associations and continues to carry out his duties based on their mandate,” writes the body governing world football.
A response to Europe—and a not-so-subtle one at that—comes from UEFA, with the Norwegian Football Federation leading the chorus of criticism following calls for Infantino’s resignation by its president, Lise Klaverness (a potential candidate in the upcoming election). There is currently no alternative to the incumbent leader. However, in the present climate—with UEFA now in open conflict with the head of world football—it seems impossible to imagine an uncontested race. A challenger is expected to step forward by November 18, the deadline for submitting candidacies. According to FIFA, “change inevitably challenges entrenched interests, but disagreement with such change cannot justify attempts to undermine the democratic mandate of the FIFA President or the institution he was elected to lead. FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny. However, scrutiny is not a license to distort facts, amplify baseless accusations, or create distractions aimed at hindering progress. When disseminated information is inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will challenge it directly and firmly,” the world football governing body states.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
