FIFA have released a fresh statement about its under-fire president Gianni Infantino amid reports UEFA are considering launching an investigation into the 56-year-old’s conduct.

A Telegraph investigation claims Infantino, already under huge pressure following his scuppered plans to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup, paid off an alleged lover while he was working as UEFA’s general secretary.

Infantino “strongly denies these categorically untrue allegations,” according to a FIFA spokesman.

It’s alleged that UEFA paid a six-figure sum to the woman, who it’s claimed had a relationship with Infantino, who is married, during his 16-year spell with European football’s governing body.

“FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory,” a FIFA spokesman told the Telegraph.

“No employee at UEFA and FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr Infantino’s behaviour because there never was an incident where he was involved.”

UEFA Could ‘Launch Investigation’ Into Infantino’s Conduct

REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

However, the Telegraph are now reporting that UEFA could launch an investigation into Infantino’s conduct throughout the entirety of his 16 years with the organisation.

The report says UEFA want to know exactly how the payments came about and whether the alleged relationship affected staff decisions while he was serving as general secretary.

Despite a wave of recent controversies and negative headlines, Infantino is keen to secure a fourth and final term as FIFA president.

While UEFA’s 55 member associations have lost confidence in the Swiss-Italian administrator, other nations and confederations, including Argentina and Mexico, continue to support him.

FIFA Issue Strong Statement

REUTERS/Jennifer Gauthier

Late on Saturday evening, FIFA issued a statement, claiming: “It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President.”

The full statement, posted on X (Twitter), reads: “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.

“The FIFA President has dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to European and world football, contributing to significant change in the game and, in particular, to broadening access, resources and opportunity across world football. Change inevitably challenges established interests, but disagreement with that change cannot justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate of FIFA’s President or the institution he was elected to lead.

“FIFA’s responsibility is to its 211 Member Associations and to football around the world. We will not be distracted or diverted from strengthening the organisation, delivering for our Member Associations and continuing the work of making football truly global. 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.”

Rafael Nadal sent Lionel Messi a heartfelt message on social media on Saturday evening after news broke that the iconic player’s father had passed away.

Jorge Messi, the man who raised arguably the greatest footballer of all time, died on Friday night at a medical clinic in the city of Rosario. The Argentine had been suffering from a long-term illness and peacefully passed away at the age of 68.

It’s said that Messi spent time with his father after the World Cup, in the weeks leading up to his death, but left recently to return to the United States to resume the MLS season with Inter Miami.

The footballing world is now mourning Jorge’s passing, and many have taken to social media to post touching tributes, including tennis legend Nadal.

Rafa Nadal’s Touching Message to Lionel Messi Following Father’s Passing

Messi has expressed his admiration for Nadal in the past, citing the 22-time Grand Slam champion as an inspiration earlier this year.

“We are currently watching the Rafa Nadal series, and I really relate to him,” Messi told Spanish media in June (via DAZN).

“I really like to play football, it is my passion since I was a child and when I am feeling good, I give my all. I think that we are very similar in that sense: I always want to give my all and feel good.”

Thus, Nadal’s heatfelt, open message to Messi after the passing of his father will likely have meant a great deal to the World Cup winner.

“Dear Leo,” the tennis icon wrote on X.

“I can’t imagine the pain you must be going through. I’m sending you all my love and my condolences to you and your entire family during such a difficult time.

“Rest in peace, Jorge.”

This tribute has gone viral on social media, picking up millions of views and encouraging many more to send messages of support to the Messi family during this trying time.

Inter Miami Pay Tribute to Jorge Messi

Nadal wasn’t the only notable account on social media to pay tribute.

Inter Miami, the club Messi has represented since 2023, sent the mourning family an earnest note.

Posting on X, the American club wrote: “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.”

Messi scored a brace and registered an assist in his final match before his father passed away on Thursday, against San Luis.

Manchester United are eyeing a move to sign Monaco star Lamine Camara after a formal bid was tabled for his services, according to reports in France.

The Red Devils made a midfield rebuild their priority for the summer, completing deals for both Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans in quick succession for a combined fee of £85m, while veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow and rookie winger Tynan Thompson have also been brought in for Michael Carrick.

But with Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious knee injury at the World Cup, Casemiro departing at the end of his contract, and Kobbie Mainoo yet to return to pre-season following his participation at the World Cup, United are still looking to add another midfielder to their squad before the new season begins.

Man Utd Eyeing Camara Deal

Camara, who has been described as a ‘beast’, is understood to be a long-standing target at Old Trafford, and the club have been keeping a close eye on his situation this summer with Monaco open to a sale, according to Foot Mercato.

The Ligue 1 giants have put a €50m (£42.8m) price tag on his head as they look to raise funds, having already sold Maghnes Akliouche to Paris Saint-Germain for the same fee. That has caught the attention of several clubs, with Premier League side Crystal Palace tabling a formal offer already.

Man Utd remain in the hunt for his signature despite that offer, and they are awaiting more developments before making a decision on whether to make a move of their own.

The Senegal international enjoyed a fine campaign with Monaco last season, being described by teammate Lukas Hradeck as ‘one of the best players’ since he returned to action following the African Cup of Nations.

“He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves,” he said.

Man Utd Midfield Shortlist Increasing

Action Images

Man Utd have been linked with a host of names throughout the transfer window for their midfield rebuild, but so far no deals have advanced since the arrival of Youri Tielemans.

• Aurelien Tchouameni – strongly linked but Real Madrid yet to give the green light to a sale.
• Carlos Baleba – he wants to join, but the gap in valuation between Man Utd and Brighton is a stumbling block.
• Alex Scott – United are very keen, and he would be open to joining, but Bournemouth are refusing to sell.
• Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid are open to selling the Frenchman, but he wants to stay and fight for his place.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored – correct as of 08/08/2026.