UEFA Acknowledges Allegations of Payment to Infantino's Alleged Mistress

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 Nyon.

The Telegraph reports that while Infantino served as general secretary at UEFA, a woman said to have been in a relationship with the current FIFA president received a six-figure sum. According to the report, UEFA funded the individual’s MBA – a Master of Business Administration degree – after she left the organisation.

The suggestion is stark: that a personal relationship may have intersected with a significant financial settlement. Infantino, through FIFA, rejects that outright.

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.”

UEFA, speaking to Sky Sports News, confirmed that a payment was made to the individual in question, including fees for an MBA course, but stressed it fell within the 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.”

Infantino worked at UEFA from 2000 until 2016, rising to the role of general secretary before leaving to become FIFA president in the wake of Sepp Blatter’s departure and the corruption scandals that engulfed world football’s governing body.

Now, as FIFA is contacted for further comment by Sky Sports News, the scrutiny turns back on the man who once arrived promising to clean up the game’s corridors of power.