FIFA has hit out at what it describes as a “concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” the governing body and its president, Gianni Infantino, following allegations about his conduct while at UEFA.
UEFA confirms payment to former employee
On Saturday, UEFA confirmed that a “departure payment” was made to a female employee who was alleged to have been in a relationship with Infantino when he served as the European organisation’s general secretary. Reports indicated the woman received a six-figure sum, and UEFA also covered the fees for an MBA course, stating the payment was “in line” with regulations at the time.
Infantino, who spent 16 years at UEFA and was general secretary from 2009 to 2016 before becoming FIFA president, now faces renewed scrutiny following his aborted plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
FIFA's statement
While not directly referencing UEFA’s statement, FIFA accused critics of trying to weaken Infantino’s authority and remove him without a proper re-election process. A lengthy statement said: “It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president.”
“Those who do not have the support of FIFA’s member associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes,” the statement continued.
FIFA also said recent reporting included “unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims” and that “speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact.” The statement emphasised that Infantino has dedicated over 30 years to football, contributing to “significant change” and broadening access and opportunity across the sport.
“FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny,” the statement added, “but scrutiny is not a licence to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations or manufacture distractions designed to undermine progress.”
Background and reaction
Infantino’s proposal to sell World Cup stakes was rejected by UEFA and two other continental confederations. On Wednesday, FIFA’s management board backed Infantino following a meeting in Morocco, and he issued an apology over the process. However, UEFA’s threat for its 55 member countries to boycott FIFA competitions until the plan was scrapped remains, with UEFA saying on Thursday that Wednesday’s announcement “changes nothing”.
After the Daily Telegraph published claims on Friday, a FIFA spokesperson was reported to have told the newspaper that Infantino “strongly denies these categorically untrue allegations”. A UEFA spokesperson 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 a MBA course at a local business school.”
“The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time,” the UEFA spokesperson added. “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.”
