UEFA has confirmed that it made a “departure payment” to a female employee who was allegedly in a relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino while he served as the organisation’s general secretary.
The payment came to light after a report by The Telegraph claimed the woman received a six figure sum following the alleged relationship with Infantino, who has been married since 2001.
UEFA also confirmed that it covered fees for the employee to complete an MBA course at a local business school.
A UEFA spokesperson told ITV News on Saturday that the payment followed the rules governing departing staff at the time.
“We are aware of the allegations and can confirm a departure payment was made to the individual in question, coupled with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school.
“The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also said UEFA has since strengthened its staff regulations.
“Such regulations have been tightened since 2016 and the current staff regulations – which apply to all UEFA employees at whatever level – reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation,” the spokesperson added.
Infantino faces renewed scrutiny
Infantino spent 16 years working at UEFA and served as the organisation’s general secretary from 2009 until 2016. He then left UEFA after winning the FIFA presidential election.
The disclosure comes as Infantino faces growing criticism over a proposal to attract private investment into a company that would handle the commercial and operational sides of FIFA competitions.
The proposed company would have been involved in major tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
Infantino held crisis talks with sporting officials in Rabat, Morocco, this week. Following the discussions, FIFA’s management board backed the president.
However, UEFA has maintained its threat to boycott FIFA competitions. The organisation represents 55 member associations and has kept pressure on Infantino despite his apology over what he described as errors surrounding the proposed investment plan.
The FIFA president is expected to seek re election next year. So far, however, no challenger has publicly announced a bid against him.
According to ITV News, several national football associations have withdrawn their support for Infantino. The associations include Finland, England, Wales, Serbia, Germany and Sweden.
The latest development adds another layer of scrutiny around Infantino as he prepares for a potential second campaign for another term as FIFA president.
