FIFA Stands by Infantino as Three Confederations Demand Independent Review

Overview

• FIFA issued a statement on Saturday, August 8, saying Infantino will not resign and accusing recent reports of being unfounded and part of a concerted effort to weaken the organisation.
• UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC published a joint letter on Monday, August 10, calling the episode a "fundamental breach of trust" and asking for an independent review of FIFA governance and decision‑making.
• The Telegraph reported that while Infantino was UEFA secretary general he promoted a former employee with whom he allegedly had an intimate relationship and approved a six‑figure departure payment plus about €50,000 for business‑school fees; UEFA confirmed a payment but said it complied with rules at the time.
• Infantino remains the declared candidate for re‑election in March and has kept up diplomatic visits, with the Confederation of African Football and some national federations publicly supporting him while others, including Norway and several European associations, have withdrawn or questioned their backing.
• The crisis began with an aborted late‑July plan to open parts of FIFA to private investors and has revealed deep splits that could prompt formal inquiries, legal challenges, threats of competition boycotts and a tightly contested presidential vote in March.