Infantino denies allegations of affair, favouritism while at Uefa

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has faced mounting criticism following his proposed plan to allow private investors to participate in the World Cup, which was ultimately abandoned. The controversy surrounding Infantino has taken a new turn as The Telegraph reports allegations of him paying off an alleged lover while serving as the secretary general of UEFA from 2009 to 2016.

The Italian-Swiss lawyer emphatically denies these claims, stating that any insinuation of improper conduct or regulation violation is defamatory. Uefa, Infantino's previous employer, confirmed that a departure payment was made to the individual in question along with fees for an MBA course at a local business school. However, they emphasized that these payments were in line with regulations that were in place at the time and have since been tightened.

Infantino, who is seeking re-election in March, has been under scrutiny since the controversial plan announcement.