Zurich: FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing fresh controversy over allegations that UEFA paid a substantial sum to a woman who reportedly had a relationship with him while he was the organisation’s general secretary.
According to a Daily Telegraph investigation, the woman was a junior UEFA employee and allegedly received a six-figure payment after leaving the organisation. She was also reportedly given financial support to pursue an MBA at a local business school. Reports further allege that she received a promotion and a 30% salary increase during the period of her alleged relationship with Infantino.
The reports claim that the matter attracted the attention of then-UEFA president Michel Platini, who confronted Infantino over the relationship, after which the woman left UEFA. Infantino was reportedly married with four children at the time. He is also alleged to have subsequently helped the woman secure another well-paid position.
FIFA has categorically rejected the allegations, with Infantino denying any inappropriate conduct or breach of rules. The organisation said no employee at either UEFA or FIFA had ever complained about his behaviour and maintained that employment-related payments had been properly authorised.
UEFA has confirmed that the woman received a departure payment and that it funded her MBA, but said both arrangements complied with the regulations in force at the time. The organisation acknowledged that its rules governing such payments were subsequently tightened.
The revelations deepen pressure on the 56-year-old Infantino, already facing fierce opposition to his plans involving private investment in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. UEFA has opposed the proposals and threatened a tournament boycott, while Infantino retains backing from Latin American and African football bodies.