Suspicion of a new storm: UEFA paid a severance package and funded a degree for Infantino's mistress
Against the backdrop of growing calls for his resignation as FIFA president, a report in the UK claims that the European organization paid a six-figure sum to a woman with whom Gianni Infantino had an affair while he served as the organization's general secretary. UEFA confirmed that severance and tuition fees were paid but claimed it was done according to regulations in force at the time. Infantino strongly denies the allegations, calling them false and defamatory.
Gianni Infantino is back in the headlines: The British newspaper "Daily Telegraph" reports that UEFA previously paid a six-figure sum as a "severance package," alongside funding a Master of Business Administration degree at a prestigious academic institution, to a woman with whom Infantino allegedly had an affair while he served as general secretary of the European organization.
According to the investigation, the woman began her career in a junior administrative role at UEFA and was promoted during the relationship to a management position with a 30% salary increase. Following tension that arose in the organization and an ultimatum from then-president Michel Platini, it was agreed to terminate her employment. In exchange for her departure, she was paid a six-figure severance package alongside full funding for her MBA.
The report comes against the backdrop of turmoil at FIFA following the collapse of an initiative to bring private investors into the commercial rights of the World Cup. The move sparked sharp criticism from associations, national teams, and senior figures in world football, with public calls for Infantino's resignation being heard in recent days.
In response to the report, UEFA confirmed that a severance payment was indeed made to that employee and that her tuition fees were covered, but claimed it was done legally:
"The payment was made in accordance with the regulations that were in force at the time for departing employees. Since 2016, these regulations have been tightened, and current procedures reflect the standards of a modern and senior organization."
On the other hand, a sweeping denial of the claims was issued on behalf of the FIFA spokesperson and its president:
"Infantino denies these claims entirely, and they are completely false. Any insinuation of inappropriate behavior or violation of the statutes is an act of libel."
The spokesperson further added that no employee at UEFA or FIFA has ever filed a complaint regarding Infantino's behavior. Despite heavy pressure exerted by European associations, which are even threatening a boycott of future World Cups, Infantino shows no signs that he intends to resign. Parallel to the protest in Europe, the FIFA president is currently receiving massive backing from associations in Africa and Latin America, alongside countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Qatar, Egypt, and Morocco, which continue to support his tenure.
