• FIFA condemns efforts to undermine President Gianni Infantino.
• Infantino faces allegations of misconduct while at UEFA.
• UEFA and some national associations have called for his resignation.
• FIFA's leadership reaffirms support for Infantino amid the crisis.
• The president is seeking re-election in March 2024.

FIFA has warned against a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine its President, Gianni Infantino, amid a mounting leadership crisis within the organization. The controversy centers around the collapse of Infantino's proposal to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights, which faced significant pushback from UEFA and other national associations, leading to calls for his resignation. FIFA's statement emphasized that any challenge to Infantino's leadership must adhere to its statutes and democratic procedures, highlighting its commitment to governance standards, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Le Monde.

Allegations against Infantino have intensified following reports from a British newspaper detailing a "departure payment" made by UEFA to a former employee, with whom Infantino allegedly had a personal relationship while serving as their general secretary. Despite the claims, which suggest misconduct, both Infantino and FIFA have categorically rejected these allegations as unfounded and misleading. The growing scrutiny comes after an intense backlash over Infantino's recently abandoned plan to introduce private investment in the World Cup, reports Al Jazeera and Africa News.

During a crisis meeting in Morocco, FIFA's leadership reaffirmed support for Infantino, despite the lack of confidence expressed by UEFA and other regional confederations. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has notably backed Infantino, while UEFA has reiterated its threat to boycott FIFA tournaments until key conditions are addressed. This situation raises concerns about Infantino's prospects as he prepares for re-election in March 2024, as reported by Reuters, Channel News Asia, Le Monde, Al Jazeera, and Africa News.