Infantino denies UEFA paid off his alleged lover
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has strongly denied allegations that UEFA paid a former employee a six-figure severance package over an alleged relationship between the two during his time at European football’s governing body.
The allegations were reported by The Daily Telegraph as Infantino faces mounting pressure over his leadership of FIFA and his recently abandoned plan to sell stakes in the organisation’s commercial operations to private investors.
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Infantino’s spokesman described the claims as “categorically untrue” and said there had been no complaint about the FIFA president’s conduct during his time at UEFA.
UEFA confirms payment to former employee
UEFA, however, confirmed that a departure payment was made to the woman at the centre of the allegations, although it disputed the suggestion that the payment was connected to any misconduct.
According to the organisation, the payment included funding for the former employee to complete an MBA programme at a local business school. UEFA said the arrangement complied with the rules in place at the time.
The organisation added that its regulations have since been strengthened and now reflect standards expected of a modern international sports body.
Infantino worked for UEFA from 2000 and became its secretary general in 2009, a position he held until his election as FIFA president in 2016.
FIFA chief under pressure over investment plan
The allegations come at a difficult time for Infantino, who is facing criticism from several football authorities over his leadership.
He recently abandoned plans to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial subsidiary that would have allowed private investors to acquire minority stakes in FIFA’s major competitions, including the World Cup.
The proposal triggered opposition from UEFA and several national associations, with European football officials also threatening legal action.
Infantino later acknowledged that mistakes had been made but remained in office after receiving support from senior FIFA officials during a meeting in Morocco.
His position has also divided the football world. South America’s Conmebol and the Confederation of African Football have backed him, while the football associations of World Cup co-hosts Mexico and Argentina have also expressed support.
Meanwhile, several European associations have withdrawn previous backing for his bid to remain FIFA president, leaving his political future increasingly uncertain.