Fifa on Saturday warned against what it called a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine President Gianni Infantino, saying attempts to challenge his leadership must follow the governing body’s statutes and democratic procedures.

The statement came amid an increasingly bitter standoff over Infantino’s leadership following the collapse of his proposal to raise about $4.2bn by selling a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other tournaments.

The plan triggered criticism from Uefa, national associations and senior Fifa officials, led to calls for Infantino to resign and prompted a crisis meeting in Morocco this week at which Fifa’s leadership reaffirmed its support for the president.

Fifa did not identify those it said were seeking to undermine Infantino or specify which reports or allegations it was referring to.

UEFA have confirmed that they are aware of an allegation that European football's governing paid off an alleged mistress of Gianni Infantino.