FIFA President Infantino Faces Leadership Crisis Amidst Share Sale Row and 'Mistress Allegations'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership is under significant strain just a month after the 2026 World Cup concluded. His administration faces dual controversies: an unsuccessful attempt to sell stakes in a subsidiary managing World Cup operations and new allegations of preferential treatment towards a former romantic partner.

The controversy erupted following a report by The Telegraph, which detailed claims that Infantino, during his tenure as UEFA Secretary General from 2009 to 2016, allegedly provided financial benefits and career advancement to a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship. The report states she received a salary increase upon promotion from an administrative role to management and was paid hundreds of thousands of pounds upon leaving UEFA, ostensibly for severance and an MBA program.

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Infantino provided financial support and promotions to a former romantic partner during his time as UEFA Secretary General.

UEFA responded to the allegations, asserting that payments to the employee were in line with existing regulations for departing staff. The organization also noted that these regulations have been strengthened since 2016 and that current practices align with modern organizational standards. However, the emergence of these personal allegations, combined with the earlier backlash against his plans to sell stakes in a FIFA subsidiary, has created significant headwinds for Infantino's pursuit of a fourth term as FIFA president.

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The payment to the employee was in accordance with regulations for departing employees at the time.