Infantino faces new scandal over alleged payment to ex-UEFA colleague

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is embroiled in a fresh controversy, with The Telegraph reporting he paid a substantial sum to a former UEFA employee described as his mistress. The alleged payment, amounting to six figures, occurred during Infantino's tenure as UEFA's secretary general between 2009 and 2016.

The British newspaper also claims that UEFA funded a master's degree for the woman, who had previously received a promotion and a 30% salary increase. Her rapid advancement within UEFA reportedly raised eyebrows and led to a confrontation with then-UEFA president Michel Platini, who allegedly told Infantino, "It's her or you."

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It's her or you.

Platini, who has since filed a complaint against Infantino for influence peddling, did not comment on this specific matter to The Telegraph. UEFA has confirmed a payment was made to the woman in question.

Infantino, married since 2001 and a father of four, has strongly refuted the claims. A FIFA spokesperson stated, "The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, categorically denies these allegations, which are totally false. Any insinuation of inappropriate behavior or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory."

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The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, categorically denies these allegations, which are totally false. Any insinuation of inappropriate behavior or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory.