Infantino denies claims as UEFA confirms payout to employee named in Telegraph investigation

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is under fresh scrutiny after The Telegraph reported that UEFA paid a six-figure severance package to an employee who, according to the investigation, allegedly had a romantic relationship with Infantino while he was UEFA’s secretary general.

UEFA confirmed that the woman received compensation when she left the organization and that it also funded her MBA studies. The European body said both payments followed the employment rules in force at the time, but it did not confirm any relationship with Infantino.

Infantino, who on Friday attended the inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella in Cali, rejected the claims through a FIFA spokesperson. The report arrives as Infantino faces growing opposition within European football over his plans to open FIFA’s competitions to private investors.

The claims at the centre of the investigation

The Telegraph’s report, based on testimony from former colleagues and senior UEFA officials, says the woman began in an administrative role and was promoted during the period in which the alleged relationship took place. According to the newspaper, her salary increased by 30 percent to around 160,000 Swiss francs.

Infantino worked at UEFA from 2000 to 2016, eventually becoming secretary general, one of the most senior roles in European football. The investigation alleges the relationship occurred during that period and that some officials were concerned about the employee’s rapid career progress.

UEFA confirms the payments

A UEFA spokesperson said: “We are aware of the allegations and can confirm that a severance payment was made to the person in question, along with the payment of the fees for an MBA in a local business school. The payment was made in accordance with the regulations in force for staff leaving the company at that time.”

UEFA also said its internal rules have since been tightened. “Those regulations have been hardened since 2016 and the current staff regulations, which apply to all UEFA employees regardless of their level, reflect those of a modern, prestigious organization,” the spokesperson added.

The Telegraph reported that the MBA tuition cost around 45,000 pounds per year.

Infantino and FIFA hit back

In a statement carried by The Telegraph, a FIFA spokesperson said: “The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, firmly denies these accusations, which are categorically false. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory.”

FIFA added that no employee of either FIFA or UEFA has ever filed a complaint against Infantino over his conduct, and said all staff decisions, including severance payments, were approved by the relevant officials under the rules then in force. Infantino is married and the father of four daughters.

The newspaper also claims, citing sources, that Infantino later used his contacts to help the woman find another job in a similar sector. That accusation, like the alleged relationship, has been denied by Infantino’s side.

Platini’s reported role

The investigation places Michel Platini, UEFA president at the time and Infantino’s direct superior, at the centre of the story. Several sources told The Telegraph that Platini learned of the alleged relationship and confronted Infantino, with some UEFA officials reportedly calling for Infantino’s dismissal.

According to one account, Platini told Infantino that one of the two men would have to leave the organization, and it was the woman who eventually departed. Platini declined to comment when contacted by The Telegraph.

A delicate moment for Infantino

The publication of the investigation comes at a difficult time for Infantino. He is facing growing resistance, particularly from UEFA, over his proposal to allow private investors into business linked to FIFA’s main competitions. Tensions between the two governing bodies have escalated in recent weeks.

The Telegraph said the revelations could increase pressure on a leader who, despite the crisis, has no intention of leaving his post.

What remains unclear

The central dispute is whether the relationship existed at all. UEFA admits making the payments but does not confirm that they were connected to any relationship with Infantino, and the FIFA president denies the romance and any irregular use of his position.

No formal complaint has been filed

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