UEFA Acknowledges Allegations Against Gianni Infantino

UEFA has acknowledged it is aware of an allegation that European football’s governing body paid off an alleged mistress of Gianni Infantino during his time in Switzerland, a claim the current FIFA president “strongly denies”.

The Telegraph reports that while Infantino served as general secretary at UEFA, a woman said to have been in a relationship with him received a six-figure sum after leaving the organisation. Part of that package, according to the report, included payment of fees for an MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree.

Infantino, who moved from UEFA to become FIFA president in 2016, has rejected the claims in the strongest terms. In a statement to The Telegraph, a FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory.

“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. All company actions related to employees, including any departure and severance packages, have always been approved by the appropriate directors in accordance with all applicable regulations.”

Under pressure to clarify its own role, UEFA confirmed to Sky Sports News that a payment was made to the individual in question and that it also covered MBA tuition at a local business school. The governing body stressed that the deal complied with staff rules in place at the time.

In its statement, UEFA said: “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. 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 timeline matters. Infantino worked at UEFA from 2000 until his departure in 2016, when he won the FIFA presidency in the wake of Sepp Blatter’s exit and a wave of corruption scandals that had already battered football’s global image.

Now, as fresh questions circle the game’s most powerful offices, FIFA has been contacted for further comment by Sky Sports News. Whether this latest controversy fades or deepens will shape how the Infantino era is judged at the top of world football.