Infantino denies claims Uefa paid off alleged 'lover'

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has categorically denied allegations that Uefa paid a severance payment to his alleged lover during his time as the organization's general secretary. According to a Daily Telegraph investigation, Uefa confirmed a six-figure sum was given to the individual, who had an alleged relationship with Infantino, in 2009 when he was the general secretary at European football's governing body.

A Fifa spokesman stated that Infantino "strongly denies these categorically untrue allegations" and that no employee at Uefa or Fifa has ever raised a complaint regarding his behavior. Uefa stated that the payment was in line with regulations at the time, but those regulations have since been tightened to reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organization.

The allegations come as Infantino faces pressure to resign as Fifa president due to his controversial plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. Norway, Mexico, and Conmebol have called for Infantino's resignation over the investment plan, while the football associations of tournament co-hosts Mexico and Argentina have backed Infantino.