FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing scrutiny after reports revealed UEFA paid funds to his alleged mistress while he was general secretary of the organisation. British newspaper The Telegraph reported on Friday, Aug. 7, that the European governing body issued the payments during his tenure.
According to UEFA employees and senior officials, Infantino promoted the unnamed woman to a managerial role with a salary of around 160,000 Swiss francs, representing a 30 percent pay increase. Upon her departure, she allegedly received at least a six-figure severance payment and completed Master of Business Administration studies funded by UEFA at a business school charging approximately 45,000 pounds per year. The report added that Infantino used his contacts to help her secure a lucrative new job in a similar sector.
Staff inside UEFA raised questions regarding her rapid advancement and expressed concerns that Infantino was abusing his position to further her career. The events allegedly took place between 2009 and 2016, during his time as general secretary.
UEFA Statements and FIFA Denial
UEFA did not deny the reports in a statement issued on Friday. The organisation admitted making the payments and acknowledged awareness of allegations concerning a relationship between Infantino and the woman, adding that it has since tightened internal regulations to align with modern standards.
A FIFA spokesperson speaking on Friday evening conveyed Infantino's denial, stating that the Swiss official strongly rejects the claims as completely untrue and defamatory. The spokesperson said no UEFA or FIFA employee had ever lodged a complaint about Infantino, maintaining that all staff decisions and severance packages were authorized by relevant directors under existing rules.
Michel Platini Confrontation and Ultimatum
Infantino has been married to Lebanese national Leena Al Ashqar since 2001, and the couple has four daughters. The report noted that it remains unclear whether Al Ashqar was aware of the alleged relationship.
The situation reportedly reached a head when then-UEFA President Michel Platini, who led the organization from 2007 to 2015, confronted Infantino. An insider told the newspaper that Infantino made a mistake that nearly ended his career, leading colleagues to urge Platini to dismiss him. A second source stated Platini presented Infantino with an ultimatum to choose between himself and the woman, prompting Infantino to arrange her departure. Platini did not provide a comment to the newspaper.
Investment Controversy and FIFA Tenure
The revelations follow earlier criticism reported by Sport.pl journalist Kacper Sosnowski regarding Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors. FIFA had formed an agreement with Thrive Eternal, a United States investment firm managed by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner and son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump, before Infantino withdrew the proposal following intense criticism.
Infantino served as UEFA general secretary until February 2016 before winning election as FIFA president following the dismissal of Sepp Blatter. The 56-year-old official plans to seek re-election next year.
Although FIFA rules set a three-term limit, the FIFA Council decided in December 2022 that Infantino's initial period from 2016 to 2019 merely completed Blatter's term. That decision enables Infantino to run for a third full term at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat in March 2027, potentially extending his presidency to 15 years.
