Headline: New Allegations Surface Against FIFA President Gianni Infantino Amid Growing Controversy
As scrutiny intensifies on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, new allegations have emerged. According to a report from The Telegraph on Friday, UEFA allegedly made a payment to a woman with whom Infantino had an affair during his time as secretary general.
The report states that the woman, who worked as an administrator at UEFA, received a six-figure settlement following the end of their relationship. During their time together, she reportedly received a promotion to a managerial position, facilitated by Infantino.
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Infantino faced inquiries about the relationship from then-UEFA President Michel Platini, leading to an agreement that the woman would depart the organization and receive compensation, as per The Telegraph.
After her exit from UEFA, it is claimed that Infantino helped her secure a “lucrative” position in a similar field. Additionally, UEFA allegedly funded her MBA at a local business school post-departure.
Infantino joined UEFA in 2000 and became secretary general in 2009, later taking over as FIFA president in 2016.
In response to the allegations, a UEFA spokesperson confirmed that “a departure payment was made to the individual in question.” They emphasized that the payment followed the regulations in place for departing employees at that time.
“The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time,” the spokesperson said. “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.”
A FIFA spokesperson asserted that Infantino “strongly denies” the allegations, stating that any implications of wrongdoing are defamatory. They highlighted that no complaints regarding Infantino’s behavior have ever been filed.
“No employee at UEFA and FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr Infantino’s behaviour because there never was an incident where he was involved,” the football governing body stated.
Infantino, who has been married to Leena Al Ashqar since 2001, has four children with her.
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This report arises during an ongoing tumult for Infantino, who faced backlash for his proposal to sell private investment stakes in the World Cup. Following widespread disapproval, Infantino and FIFA abandoned the plan.
UEFA has been particularly vocal against Infantino’s proposal, even threatening to boycott FIFA competitions. Other federations have indicated they may withdraw their support for him, as he seeks re-election in 2027.
Furthermore, Infantino allegedly told Morocco that it could host the 2030 World Cup final if it announced support for his re-election, a claim that FIFA has denied.
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Additionally, Infantino faces scrutiny over commitments made to U.S. World Cup host cities, which are reportedly pursuing $1 million payments promised to them.
As pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino continues to rise, a new alleged scandal has emerged. The Telegraph reported Friday that UEFA reportedly paid off a woman who was allegedly having an affair with Infantino while he was secretary general of the association.
Per The Telegraph, the woman received a six-figure amount after the alleged relationship came to an end. The woman, who worked at UEFA as an administrator, was reportedly promoted to a managerial role by Infantino during their relationship.
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Infantino was reportedly challenged about the relationship by then-UEFA president Michel Platini, and they agreed that she would leave the association and be paid, per The Telegraph.
When she left UEFA, Infantino reportedly used connections to get her a new “lucrative” job in a similar field. The association also allegedly paid for her to earn her MBA at a local business school after she left.
Infantino, who joined UEFA in 2000, became the organization’s secretary general in 2009. He left UEFA to become FIFA’s president in 2016.
In a statement to The Telegraph, a spokesperson for UEFA said the association was aware of the allegations and confirmed that “a departure payment was made to the individual in question.”
“The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time,” the spokesperson said. “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.”
A FIFA spokesperson told The Telegraph that Infantino “strongly denies” the allegations.
“Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory,” the football governing body said. “No employee at UEFA and FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr Infantino’s behaviour because there never was an incident where he was involved.”
Infantino has been married to Leena Al Ashqar since 2001. The couple has four children together.
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The salacious report comes as Infantino is already under significant fire for his proposal to sell private investment stakes in the World Cup. Backlash to the idea was swift and overwhelming, and Infantino and FIFA eventually scrapped the plan entirely.
UEFA has responded the most strongly to Infantino’s proposal even after the withdrawal, and has maintained that it will boycott FIFA competitions. Other federations have said that they will withdraw their support for the president, with Infantino up for re-election in 2027.
After that, Infantino reportedly told Morocco that the country could host the 2030 World Cup final if it issues a statement of support for his re-election bid. FIFA has denied the report.
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On top of that, Infantino has come under additional scrutiny with U.S. World Cup host cities reportedly chasing down $1 million payments that he promised to those who hosted World Cup games.
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