FIFA says it will not support or tolerate any process aimed at electing its president outside its statutes, democratic procedures and established governance framework.
The world football governing body made this known in a statement on Sunday, following recent statements by the Confederation of South American Football (CONMEBOL) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as well as consultations with FIFA member associations and confederations worldwide.
FIFA said its president was democratically elected by the organisation’s member associations and continued to serve with their mandate.
It said there was an ongoing and coordinated effort by some individuals to undermine the organisation and its president.
The governing body advised those without the support of its member associations not to use allegations, insinuations or misinformation to achieve what they could not accomplish through established democratic processes.
“Recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its President.
“Speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repetition does not make an allegation true,” FIFA said.
The organisation said the FIFA president had devoted more than 30 years of his professional career to European and world football.
It said he had contributed to significant changes in the game, particularly by expanding access, resources and opportunities across the football world.
FIFA acknowledged that such changes could challenge established interests but said disagreements could not justify attempts to undermine the democratic mandate of its president or the institution he leads.
The governing body said it welcomed legitimate scrutiny but warned against distorting facts or promoting unsubstantiated allegations.
“Where reporting is inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will challenge it directly and vigorously,” it said.
FIFA said its responsibility was to its 211 member associations and football stakeholders across the world.
It added that it would remain focused on strengthening the organisation, delivering for member associations and continuing efforts to make football a truly global sport.
“Through the FIFA President and the FIFA administration, our focus remains firmly on that mission, and we are more determined than ever to fulfil it,” FIFA said.
