UEFA paid alleged lover of FIFA President Infantino, report claims

New allegations have surfaced regarding FIFA President Gianni Infantino's past conduct during his tenure as UEFA's secretary general. The British newspaper The Telegraph has reported that UEFA paid a woman, described as Infantino's alleged lover, substantial sums while he held a senior position within the organization.

According to the report, Infantino played a key role in the woman's career advancement within UEFA, overseeing her promotion to a directorial position and a 30 percent salary increase, bringing her earnings to approximately 160,000 Swiss francs. Additionally, UEFA reportedly covered the costs of an MBA program for her, amounting to about 45,000 pounds.

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The President of FIFA categorically denies these accusations, which are categorically false. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory.

The report raises questions about whether Infantino's wife was aware of the alleged relationship. It suggests that the situation came to a head when Michel Platini, then UEFA president, confronted Infantino. Sources indicate Platini presented Infantino with an ultimatum, leading to the woman's departure from UEFA, reportedly with a six-figure severance package.

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We are aware of the allegations and can confirm that a severance payment was made to the person in question, along with the payment of fees for a master's degree in business administration (MBA) at a local business school. The payment was in line with the regulations in force for staff leaving the company at the time.

FIFA has vehemently denied these accusations. A spokesperson for FIFA stated, "The President of FIFA categorically denies these accusations, which are categorically false. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory."

UEFA, in its response to The Telegraph, confirmed that a severance payment and MBA fees were made to the individual in question. The organization stated that these payments were in line with the regulations applicable to departing staff at the time, adding that current regulations have been tightened since 2016.

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These regulations have since been tightened from 2016 and the current staff regulations, which apply to all UEFA employees, regardless of their level, reflect those of a modern, prestigious organization.