FIFA president Infantino denies alleged affair, calls UEFA claims 'defamatory'

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has categorically denied allegations that UEFA funds were used to pay a severance package to a former employee with whom he allegedly had an affair during his tenure as UEFA general secretary. The claims, published by The Daily Telegraph, assert that the woman received a rapid promotion, a substantial salary increase, and a six-figure exit compensation after leaving UEFA, allegedly funded by UEFA's grassroots football development budget.Infantino, via a FIFA spokesperson, vehemently rejected the allegations as false and defamatory, insisting that any suggestion of improper behavior or regulatory breaches is baseless.

The spokesperson emphasized that no complaints have been lodged by UEFA or FIFA employees regarding Infantino's conduct during his time at UEFA, asserting that the alleged incident never occurred.The report alleges that the events in question occurred while Infantino served as UEFA general secretary from 2009 to 2016. According to The Daily Telegraph, the woman, initially hired in a junior administrative capacity, was swiftly promoted to a managerial role with an annual salary of approximately 160,000 Swiss francs.

The investigation further claims that UEFA president Michel Platini became aware of the relationship and provided Infantino with an ultimatum, leading to the woman's departure from the organization.The investigation also alleges that UEFA disbursed a substantial departure package, covering MBA tuition fees of around £45,000 per year, with the funds purportedly sourced from a designated budget for grassroots football development.

UEFA has acknowledged making the departure payment but stated that it was in compliance with the regulations in effect at the time and that the funds were allocated for the woman's MBA education at a local business school.Furthermore, UEFA has acknowledged strengthening its regulations to align with contemporary standards expected of a reputable international sports organization.

The allegations against Infantino arrive at a challenging period for him, as FIFA is already under scrutiny following the withdrawal of a controversial private investment proposal related to the commercialization of the World Cup. This proposal faced criticism from several football associations over concerns about transparency and governance, prompting Infantino to apologize to FIFA's 211 member associations.