FIFA sharply criticized "systematic and sustained efforts" aimed at damaging the reputation of the organization and its president Gianni Infantino.
The statement came after the Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on a matter related to Infantino's personal relationships during his time as UEFA general secretary. A FIFA representative said Infantino strongly denied these accusations and considered them baseless.
In its statement, FIFA emphasized that "unconfirmed claims and outright false information" are being spread, and called for speculation and insinuations not to be presented as facts.
Infantino has recently come under pressure in relations with European football organizations because of FIFA's Forward Enterprise project. Under the project, it was planned to create a new company to manage commercial and ticketing rights and sell a 21 percent stake in it to a private investment company.
UEFA has said it no longer has confidence in Infantino. The head of the Norwegian Football Federation, Lise Klaveness, has called on him to resign.
Nevertheless, FIFA stressed that Infantino was democratically elected by the 211 national member federations and continues to work on the basis of his mandate. Infantino is also unanimously supported by 54 countries that are members of the African Football Confederation.
