FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing renewed pressure following reports that his former employer, UEFA, issued a six-figure settlement to a former staff member. According to an investigation by The Telegraph, the woman in question was involved in a relationship with Infantino during his tenure at the organization. The report further alleges that the employee received a promotion while the relationship was ongoing and was later provided with approximately £45,000 in funding from UEFA to complete an MBA at a business school.
UEFA has acknowledged that both the financial settlement and the educational funding took place. However, the organization maintains that these actions were permitted under the regulations governing staff departures at that time. UEFA noted that its current internal policies have since been updated to reflect the standards expected of a modern, high-profile institution.
The allegations state that the then-UEFA president, Michel Platini, was aware of the relationship and reportedly confronted Infantino, demanding that either he or the woman leave the organization. Sources cited in the report indicate that the woman eventually departed UEFA with a pay-off and subsequently found another role within the football industry.
Infantino, who joined UEFA in 2000 and served as its general secretary before ascending to the FIFA presidency in 2016, has strongly denied the claims. A spokesperson for FIFA stated that there have been no employee complaints regarding Infantino’s behavior and dismissed any suggestions of regulatory breaches or inappropriate conduct as categorically untrue. Despite these allegations and recent criticism regarding his leadership—specifically concerning a failed financing proposal that was unanimously opposed by UEFA—Infantino has reportedly informed his inner circle that he has no intention of stepping down from his position.
Still, Infantino remains determined to continue in his role and has reportedly told those close to him that he has no intention of stepping down.
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