FIFA defends Infantino hitting out at critics trying to 'undermine' him

Global football government body, FIFA, on Saturday defended its president, Gianni Infantino, against what it called a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine his leadership of the organisation.

Its latest defence of Infantino followed a confirmation on Saturday by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) that a “departure payment” was made to a woman during his years as secretary general of the body.

Infantino worked at UEFA for 16 years before being elected FIFA president.

The European body said the payment was “in line with regulations that existed for departing staff at the time" and that the rules changed in 2016 to "reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation".

British newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, had reported on Friday night that the woman had received a six-figure sum following the alleged relationship with Infantino over a decade ago.

A FIFA spokesperson told the newspaper that Infantino “strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue”.

“Those who do not have the support of FIFA’s member associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes,” the statement said.

It went on to say it welcomed “legitimate scrutiny”.

“But scrutiny is not a licence to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations or manufacture distractions designed to undermine progress,” it said.

Infantino is facing an intense backlash after details emerged of his now aborted plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

UEFA and two other continental confederations - North America’s CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation - rejected the plan.

On Wednesday, Infantino was backed by FIFA's management board following a meeting in Morocco and issued an apology over the process.

But there have been growing calls for his resignation.

On Thursday, UEFA reiterated a threat to boycott FIFA tournaments saying its key conditions for returning to them has not been met.

"UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino's presidency. That position holds," it said in a statement.

Infantino is hoping to win re-election as FIFA’s president for a fourth and final term in office in March.