FIFA President Gianni Infantino has rejected allegations concerning an alleged relationship during his tenure as UEFA general secretary and a subsequent payment made to the woman involved, calling the claims “categorically untrue”.
The allegations relate to Infantino’s tenure as UEFA general secretary from 2009 to 2016, before he became FIFA president. An investigation by The Daily Telegraph alleged that UEFA made a six-figure departure payment to a woman who was reported to have had a relationship with Infantino while he was serving at the European football governing body.
“FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
UEFA has reportedly confirmed that a departure payment was made to the woman but said it complied with the rules applicable at the time. The organisation also said the payment included costs for her to complete an MBA at a local business school.
UEFA said its regulations have subsequently been strengthened to reflect the standards expected of a modern international sporting organisation.
Infantino’s representatives also rejected any suggestion that a formal complaint had been made against him during his UEFA tenure or since he became FIFA president.
“No employee at UEFA and FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr Infantino’s behaviour because there never was an incident where he was involved,” the FIFA spokesperson said.
The allegations emerge as Infantino faces criticism over FIFA’s leadership following the governing body’s decision to withdraw a controversial proposal involving private investment in the commercial future of the World Cup. The proposal faced opposition from several football associations and governing bodies amid concerns over transparency, governance and FIFA’s decision-making process.
Infantino later apologised to FIFA’s 211 member associations after the proposal was withdrawn.
The controversy has also highlighted divisions within world football. UEFA has said it no longer has confidence in Infantino, while Norway Football Federation president Lise Klaveness has called for his resignation.
The Argentine Football Association, however, has reaffirmed its support for Infantino and backed continued cooperation under his leadership ahead of the next FIFA Congress.
FOLLOW NOW
