UEFA confirmed a departure payment was made to a former female employee alleged to have been in a relationship with Gianni Infantino while he served as UEFA general secretary. The disclosure arrives as Infantino faces heavy backlash and lost support from multiple national associations over plans to privatize World Cup competitions.
European football’s governing body has acknowledged a financial payout to a former staff member linked to Gianni Infantino. According to ITV, UEFA confirmed that a departure payment
was issued to the female employee alongside funding for an MBA course at a local business school during Infantino’s tenure as general secretary.
UEFA Confirms Severance and MBA Funding Under Past Regulations
Infantino worked within UEFA for 16 years, holding the position of general secretary from 2009 until 2016 before winning election to lead FIFA. Reports regarding a six-figure sum surfaced via the Telegraph, prompting a formal statement from the European organization regarding the exit package.
A spokesperson for UEFA told ITV News that the organization was aware of the allegations and verified the financial departure arrangement. The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time,
the spokesperson said, adding that regulations have since been tightened to reflect modern corporate standards.
FIFA strongly defended its president against the allegations. A FIFA spokesperson told the Telegraph that Gianni Infantino categorically denies the claims, asserting that no employee at either UEFA or FIFA ever raised a conduct complaint regarding his behavior. Furthermore, FIFA maintained that all staff departure packages have consistently received approval from appropriate directors in compliance with applicable rules.
Backlash Mounts Over Private Investment Plans for World Cups
The disclosure accompanies intense pressure on Infantino following his controversial proposal to secure private investment for a newly formed corporate entity designed to operate FIFA competitions, which include both the men’s and women’s World Cups. Infantino convened crisis discussions with executive leadership in Rabat, Morocco, securing backing from the management board.
Despite winning board-level support, criticism continues to reverberate across international football. UEFA previously indicated that a boycott threat from its 55 member nations remains active despite an apology from the FIFA president. Infantino prepares to contest the upcoming presidential election next year, facing no officially declared challengers so far.
Splits Emerge Among National Football Associations Ahead of Election
The mounting controversy has triggered significant shifts in international allegiance. Multiple national associations, including Finland, England, Wales, Serbia, Germany, and Sweden, have rescinded their support for Infantino. Meanwhile, the Romanian and Czech football associations have signaled potential opposition without issuing formal withdrawals.
Conversely, associations in Qatar, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Morocco have publicly reaffirmed their backing for the incumbent FIFA leader following the loss of European federation support.
