FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has rejected allegations that UEFA made a substantial payment to a woman with whom he was allegedly involved during his time at the European football governing body.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Friday that the woman was given a six-figure sum after the alleged relationship with Infantino, who served as UEFA’s general secretary before becoming FIFA president in 2016.
UEFA, however, confirmed that a payment was made to the former staff member, alongside financial support for an MBA course at a local business school.
The organisation said the arrangement complied with its regulations at the time.
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.
“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.”
Infantino, through FIFA, strongly denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the allegations were false and that no complaint had ever been made against him by an employee of either UEFA or FIFA.
A FIFA spokesman told the Telegraph, “FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue.
“No employee at UEFA and FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding 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.”
The latest allegations come as Infantino faces growing scrutiny over his controversial proposal to seek private investment in a company that would oversee FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
The plan has been opposed by UEFA and two other continental confederations.
UEFA has also maintained its threat to have its 55 member associations boycott FIFA competitions if the proposal is not abandoned.
Infantino received backing from FIFA’s management board after a meeting in Morocco on Wednesday and subsequently apologised over the way the plan was handled.
However, UEFA said on Thursday that the development had not changed its position on the proposed investment plan.
Infantino spent 16 years working at UEFA and became the organisation’s general secretary in 2009.
He was elected FIFA president in February 2016.
