FIFA has launched an attack on critics over what it described as speculations, unsubstantiated allegations, and false claims aimed at undermining the organisation and its president, Gianni Infantino.

FIFA, in a statement on Saturday, said such efforts to oust Mr Infantino, who was democratically elected by member associations, if not aligned with its statutes, democratic procedures and established governance framework, will not be tolerated.

The statement read, “Echoing the recent statements of CONMEBOL and CAF, as well as discussions with FIFA member associations and confederations from around the world, FIFA will not support, facilitate or tolerate any process concerning the election of the FIFA president that is inconsistent with FIFA’s statutes, democratic procedures and established governance framework.

“The FIFA president was democratically elected by FIFA’s Member Associations and continues to serve with their mandate. It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president.

“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.

“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 Mr Infantino has dedicated over 30 years of his professional life to European and world football, as well as contributed to significant change in the game and, in particular, to broadening access, resources and opportunity across world football.

The global football governing body stated that although change inevitably challenges established interests, “disagreement with that change cannot justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate of FIFA’s President or the institution he was elected to lead.”

The organisation stated that it welcomes legitimate scrutiny, but it should not be used as a licence to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations or manufacture distractions designed to undermine progress.

It warned that, “where reporting is inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will challenge it directly and vigorously.”

Reiterating its responsibility to its 211 member associations and to football globally, FIFA vowed not to be distracted or diverted from strengthening itself, delivering for member associations and working to make football truly global.

The pushback followed UEFA’s declaration of mistrust of Mr Infantino, a threat to boycott FIFA competitions and calls, alongside some footballers’ federations, for a change in the global football body’s leadership.