Fifa has issued a fresh statement defending president Gianni Infantino, alleging a "concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine Fifa and its president" amid growing scrutiny of his leadership. The statement came after Uefa confirmed on Saturday that a "departure payment" was made to a female employee allegedly linked romantically to Infantino during his time as Uefa general secretary, claims Fifa has dismissed as "categorically untrue".

The Daily Telegraph reported the woman received a six-figure sum, with Uefa confirming a payment was made and that it also covered fees for an MBA course, which it said complied with regulations at the time. A Fifa spokesperson said Infantino was "democratically elected" and accused critics of using "allegation, insinuation or misinformation" rather than Fifa's democratic processes, adding that "repetition does not make an allegation true". The row follows the collapse of Infantino's plan to seek private investment in a company to run Fifa's competitions, with Fifa insisting it will not accept any challenge to his position before March's election, while Uefa's threat of a boycott by its 55 member countries remains in place.