Gianni Infantino allegedly arranged for his lover to be paid off by UEFA while he was in a position of power at European football's governing body.
Infantino is now desperately trying to hold onto his position as president of FIFA, but allegations about the 56-year-old's behaviour at his previous employer, which he denies, have now surfaced.
Alleged affair and payoff
The Telegraph reports that a female employee of UEFA, who was allegedly in a relationship with Infantino, allegedly received a six-figure pay-off and funds to study an MBA after he was challenged over the situation.
Infantino, who is married with four children, was UEFA's general secretary at the time of the alleged affair with a junior employee, who was promoted to a management position during the relationship.
He is said to have been challenged by Michel Platini, UEFA's then president, over the alleged relationship, prompting her to leave the organisation with a substantial payment.
UEFA and FIFA responses
A UEFA spokesperson told the newspaper: “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 UEFA 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 allegations come at a time of increased scrutiny on Infantino, who is fighting to hold onto power at the top of FIFA following a backlash over his secretive plans to sell stakes in tournaments like the World Cup. His former employer, UEFA, are now the organisation leading the attempts to remove him from power.
“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,” a FIFA spokesperson told the Telegraph.
“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.”
Background
Infantino spent 16 years working for UEFA until leaving to become FIFA president in February 2016, a position he has held ever since. He married Leena Al Ashqar in 2001 after they met through her work for the Lebanese Football Federation.
