UEFA has confirmed that it made a “departure payment” to a former female employee who was allegedly in a relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during his time as the organisation’s general secretary.
The payment was disclosed following a report by The Telegraph, which alleged that the woman received a six-figure sum after the relationship with Infantino, who has been married since 2001.
UEFA also confirmed that it covered the cost of an MBA programme for the former employee at a local business school.
A UEFA spokesperson told ITV News on Saturday that the payment complied with the regulations governing departing staff at the time.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that UEFA had subsequently tightened its staff regulations.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
Infantino spent 16 years at UEFA and served as the organisation’s general secretary from 2009 to 2016 before being elected FIFA president.
The development comes as Infantino faces growing criticism over a proposal to attract private investment into a company that would operate FIFA competitions, including the men’s World Cup.
The FIFA president held crisis talks with sporting executives in Rabat, Morocco, this week and later secured backing from FIFA’s management board.
UEFA, however, has maintained its threat that its 55 member associations could boycott FIFA competitions, despite Infantino apologising for what he described as errors surrounding the proposed investment plan.
Infantino is expected to seek re-election as FIFA president next year, although no challenger has publicly declared a candidacy.
According to ITV News, several national football associations, including those of Finland, England, Wales, Serbia, Germany and Sweden, have withdrawn their support for Infantino.
