FIFA president Gianni Infantino has firmly rejected allegations that he arranged for UEFA to pay his former lover a severance package linked to an alleged affair during his time as general secretary at European football's governing body.
The claims follow a Telegraph investigation reporting that the woman received a six-figure payout after an alleged relationship with Infantino while he served the role. Infantino, who joined UEFA in 2000 and spent 16 years at the organisation, is alleged to have had a relationship with a junior employee.
UEFA confirms payment
At the time, UEFA issued a statement confirming that 'a departure payment was made to the individual in question.' The Telegraph spoke to colleagues and senior figures who allege that Infantino ensured the woman left UEFA with a pay-off worth at least six figures.
However, a FIFA spokesman has denied those claims on behalf of the president. They 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."
UEFA tightens regulations
In a fresh statement on Friday, UEFA again confirmed the payment and acknowledged it had been aware of the allegations that the woman had been in a relationship with Infantino. The organisation added that it has since 'tightened' its regulations to reflect those of a modern, high-profile organisation.
The Swiss-Italian has also faced heavy scrutiny in the build-up to, and during, the 2026 World Cup, and the pressure has only intensified since the tournament ended. It began when Infantino's plans to sell off stakes in FIFA competitions were leaked, a move that triggered widespread backlash across the football world.
Growing opposition
UEFA nations even voted on a boycott of all FIFA competitions until the issue was resolved, with other confederations joining the condemnation. Although FIFA later performed a U-turn and apologised for misjudging the proposal, several nations have continued to push for change at the top of the organisation. The English FA is among those to have withdrawn its support for Infantino ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
There have also been reports that Infantino and FIFA considered aligning with the breakaway European Super League in 2021, while his close relationship with Donald Trump before and during the 2026 World Cup drew further scrutiny. Accusations of political interference surfaced when Trump claimed he asked Infantino to intervene following Folarin Balogun's red card, with the USMNT striker subsequently cleared to play in their round-of-16 tie against Belgium.
