FIFA has lashed out at what it called a coordinated effort to undermine President Gianni Infantino, vowing to confront misleading reports directly and vigorously after the collapse of a proposed $4.2 billion commercial rights deal.
The statement followed a crisis board meeting in Morocco, after which FIFA issued an apology for missteps and board members voiced support for Infantino. The abandoned plan had drawn sharp criticism from UEFA, national associations and senior FIFA officials who demanded his resignation.
Compounding pressure, UEFA confirmed that a former employee with whom Infantino allegedly had an intimate relationship received a large payout and MBA tuition during his 16-year tenure there. UEFA also said it will maintain its boycott of FIFA World Cups. Norway's federation president Lise Klaveness called for Infantino's immediate resignation. Infantino has denied the allegations.