Key facts
- UEFA is aware of allegations that it paid off an alleged mistress of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- The woman reportedly received a six-figure sum and payment for an MBA course.
- UEFA confirmed the payment was in line with regulations at the time, which have since been tightened.
- Infantino strongly denies all allegations, calling them untrue and defamatory.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing renewed scrutiny following allegations that UEFA paid off an alleged mistress during his time as the European football governing body's general secretary. The Telegraph reported that a junior employee, with whom Infantino allegedly had an affair, received a six-figure sum and had her MBA degree paid for by UEFA.
UEFA has confirmed it is aware of the allegations and that a departure payment was made to the individual, along with fees for an MBA course at a local business school. The organization stated that the payment was in line with regulations in place at the time, which have since been tightened in 2016 to reflect modern standards.
Infantino, through a FIFA spokesperson, has vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as categorically untrue and defamatory. The spokesperson added that no employee had ever raised a complaint about Infantino's behavior, as no such incident occurred, and all employee-related actions were approved by appropriate directors.
Reports suggest the employee may have also received a promotion and a 30% pay rise during the alleged relationship, with UEFA's then-president, Michel Platini, reportedly aware and having raised concerns with Infantino. Infantino has been married to Leena Al Ashqar since 2001 and they have four daughters.
These revelations come as Infantino faces mounting pressure to resign, including calls from UEFA itself, following his withdrawal of a controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Norwegian FA president Lise Klaveness has also stated her intention to report Infantino to FIFA's Ethics Committee over various issues, including the proposed sale and the awarding of a FIFA Peace Prize to President Donald Trump.