Fifa has officially denied allegations that president Gianni Infantino was involved in a financial settlement paid by UEFA to a former employee. Reports emerged on Friday night suggesting the woman, who was allegedly in a relationship with Infantino during his tenure as UEFA general secretary, received a six-figure sum upon her departure from the organization.
A spokesperson for UEFA confirmed that a departure payment was issued to the individual, alongside the coverage of fees for an MBA course at a local business school. The governing body stated that these actions were entirely in line with the regulations applicable to departing staff at the time. UEFA further noted that its staff regulations have since been tightened in 2016 to reflect standards found in modern, high-profile organizations.
Fifa responded to the reports by issuing a strong denial on behalf of the president. A spokesperson stated that the allegations are categorically untrue and that any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes is considered defamatory. The organization emphasized that no employee at either Fifa or UEFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr. Infantino’s behavior, asserting that no incident involving him ever occurred.
Infantino, who served as UEFA general secretary from 2009 to 2016 before being elected as Fifa president, is currently facing significant pressure regarding separate business proposals. He has faced backlash for a plan to seek private investment for a company intended to run Fifa’s competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. While Fifa’s management board backed the president during a meeting in Morocco last Wednesday, the plan has been rejected by UEFA and two other continental confederations. Despite an apology from Infantino regarding the process, UEFA’s threat to have its 55 member countries boycott Fifa competitions remains, with the European body stating that the recent developments have changed nothing.
