FIFA’s investigatory chamber has found president Gianni Infantino not guilty of violating the organisation’s code of ethics.
Infantino was investigated over possible breaches of the code relating to flights he took during the first months of his presidency, human resource matters relating to hiring processes and the Swiss’ refusal to sign the contract specifying his employment relationship with FIFA.
But after an investigation lasting several weeks, in which witnesses and Infantino himself were interviewed, the 46-year-old has been told he has no case to answer.
A FIFA statement read: “After conducting both preliminary and formal investigation proceedings, the investigatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has decided to conclude its investigations concerning FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“It was found that no violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics (FCE) had been committed by Mr Infantino. The adjudicatory chamber took note of and accepted the decision of the investigatory chamber.
“The preliminary investigations and the formal proceedings followed the proceedings stipulated in the FCE. They included a large number of interviews with witnesses and Mr Infantino himself, as well as an extensive analysis of evidence, and were supported by independent legal opinions. The investigations were carried out diligently over several weeks.”
Infantino also released a statement, expressing his delight at the verdict.
It read: “FIFA president Gianni Infantino is pleased that, following a thorough review, the investigatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has determined that ‘no violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics (FCE) has been committed.’
“This decision has been accepted by the adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, which conducted its own comprehensive review of the decision.
“With this matter now resolved, the president and the FIFA administration will continue to focus on developing football as well as their efforts to improve the organisation.
“Tangible progress has been made in key areas such as ensuring that those who have acted against the interests of football are identified and held to account, improving FIFA’s governance and repairing its reputation, and restoring trust with its stakeholders. This critical work will continue.
“The president would like to thank all those who cooperated with the Ethics Committee to ensure that the facts were heard and the truth prevailed.”
