Infantino denies 'defamatory' affair claims made in British newspaper

British newspaper The Daily Telegraph has published allegations that FIFA President Gianni Infantino was involved in an affair while serving as UEFA secretary general from 2009 to 2016. FIFA and Infantino have both denied the claims, describing them as "categorically untrue" and "defamatory." Infantino, who is up for re-election in March, maintains support in Africa and South America.

The allegations also suggest that Infantino used his influence to secure a promotion for the same employee with whom he was allegedly in an intimate relationship, and that she received a six-figure sum upon her departure, along with tuition fees for an MBA course. UEFA acknowledged that a departure payment was made to the individual at the time, but insisted it was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time, before adding that such regulations have been tightened since 2016.

Infantino, who has been married since 2001, strongly denies the allegations, stating that any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory.

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