Gianni Infantino has refuted claims that UEFA provided a financial settlement to his alleged mistress while he served as the organization’s general secretary.
On Friday evening, The Daily Telegraph reported that the woman supposedly received a six-figure payout following her alleged affair with Infantino, who currently holds the position of FIFA president.
UEFA acknowledged in a statement that a payment was made, along with covering the costs for an MBA program, asserting that these actions were “in line” with the regulations at the time.
This report emerges as Infantino faces mounting scrutiny regarding his proposal to attract private investments for a company that would oversee FIFA’s competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
Infantino spent 16 years at UEFA, serving as general secretary from 2009 until his election as FIFA president in February 2016.
A spokesperson for UEFA stated: “We are aware of the allegations and can confirm that a departure payment was made to the individual in question, along with fees for an MBA course at a local business school. This payment was consistent with regulations in place for departing staff at that time.”
“Regulations have been enhanced since 2016, and the current policies—which apply to all UEFA employees—reflect those typical of modern, prominent organizations.”
A FIFA spokesman told The Telegraph on Friday: “FIFA president Gianni Infantino firmly denies these allegations, which are entirely false. No employee at UEFA or FIFA has ever lodged a complaint about Infantino’s conduct, as there has never been an incident involving him.”
“All actions related to employees, including departure and severance packages, have always been sanctioned by the appropriate directors in accordance with the relevant regulations.”
Infantino has been under fire for over a week following a contentious proposal to sell shares to private investors in a company intended to manage the World Cup.
– Norway urges Infantino to resign, gaining support from Mexico and Argentina
– UEFA maintains its World Cup boycott plans despite FIFA and Infantino’s apology
– FIFPRO accuses Gianni Infantino of ‘serious abuse of power’ over World Cup proposal
The proposal has faced rejection from UEFA and two additional continental confederations. On Wednesday, Infantino received support from FIFA’s management board following a meeting in Morocco, where he also issued an apology regarding the process.
UEFA’s threat to compel its 55 member countries to boycott FIFA events until the proposal is rescinded remains in effect, with the European confederation stating on Thursday that Wednesday’s announcement “changes nothing.”
The Press Association contributed to this report.