FIFA has denied reports by British newspaper The Telegraph claiming president Gianni Infantino had a relationship with a UEFA employee who received a large payout. The newspaper reported that Infantino maintained the relationship while serving as general secretary of UEFA. According to the report, the female worker received a promotion, a significant pay raise, and a six-figure severance compensation when she left the organization.
A FIFA spokesperson told The Telegraph that the allegations are categorically false and that Infantino categorically denies the claims. The spokesperson added that any suggestion of inappropriate conduct or violation of laws and regulations is defamatory. Furthermore, FIFA stated that no staff member at UEFA or FIFA has ever submitted a complaint regarding Infantino because no incident involving him ever occurred.
FIFA also noted that all employee actions, including departure packages, were approved by relevant managers under applicable rules.
UEFA Response
European football governing body UEFA also responded to the claims after contact with Sky Sports. UEFA confirmed that a departure payment was made to the individual, alongside tuition fees for an MBA course at a local business school.
UEFA stated that the payment complied with staff regulations in effect at that time. The organization added that rules for departing personnel have been tightened since 2016 to match standards expected of a modern, high-profile organization.
