FIFA: Gianni Infantino denies accusations related to a former UEFA employee
The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has firmly rejected accusations reported by the British press regarding a payment made by UEFA to a former employee with whom he allegedly had a relationship. The European body confirms the existence of a payment, while ensuring that it complied with the applicable rules.
SUMMARY
Gianni Infantino is once again at the center of a controversy. According to the Telegraph, a woman allegedly received a six-figure payment from UEFA after a presumed relationship with the current FIFA president. The European body also reportedly financed her MBA at a business school after her departure. Infantino worked at UEFA from 2000 to 2016, before being elected as the head of FIFA. According to the British daily, he is also said to have contributed to the professional development of this employee during their alleged relationship.
UEFA has acknowledged that a payment was made, while denying any irregularity. “This payment was in accordance with the regulations in place at the time for employees leaving the company,” a spokesperson explained. The organization clarified that its rules have since been strengthened.
FIFA categorically refutes
Through a spokesperson, FIFA assured that Infantino “strongly denies” the accusations, calling them “completely false.” The global body also rejected claims that UEFA officials had expressed concerns about the director’s behavior. “No employee of UEFA or FIFA has ever filed a complaint regarding Mr. Infantino’s behavior,” said its representative.
This new controversy comes as the FIFA president is already facing criticism regarding his plan to open part of the World Cup’s commercial activities to private investors. The project had sparked strong opposition within the football family, and some stakeholders had even mentioned a possible boycott.
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