UEFA confirms departure payment to ex-staff linked to FIFA’s Infantino

UEFA has confirmed that a "departure payment" was issued to a female employee who was allegedly involved in a relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during his tenure as UEFA's general secretary. The payment, reportedly a six-figure sum, was disclosed following a report by The Telegraph.

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We are aware of the allegations and can confirm a departure payment was made to the individual in question, coupled with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school.

Infantino, who has been married since 2001, was UEFA's general secretary from 2009 to 2016. UEFA also confirmed it covered fees for the employee's MBA course at a local business school. A UEFA spokesperson told ITV News that the payment adhered to the regulations governing departing staff at that time.

"The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time," the spokesperson said. UEFA has since updated its regulations, stating, "Such regulations have been tightened since 2016 and the current staff regulations – which apply to all UEFA employees at whatever level – reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation."

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The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time.

The disclosure comes as Infantino faces scrutiny over other FIFA-related issues, including a proposal to seek private investment for FIFA competitions. Despite Infantino's apology for "errors" concerning the investment scheme, UEFA has maintained its threat of a boycott by its 55 member associations. Infantino is expected to seek re-election as FIFA president next year, though no challenger has yet emerged.

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Such regulations have been tightened since 2016 and the current staff regulations – which apply to all UEFA employees at whatever level – reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation.