Infantino Faces Allegations Over Alleged UEFA Relationship and £150,000 Compensation Payment

According to an exclusive report by The Telegraph, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been accused of having a romantic relationship with a female UEFA employee during his time as UEFA general secretary. The employee reportedly left UEFA unexpectedly at the end of 2011 and received compensation of more than £150,000.

The report stated that the payment included tuition fees for the woman’s MBA studies at a business school. During the period when the alleged relationship was said to have taken place, she was also promoted from an administrative role to a management position and received a salary increase of around £25,000. The Telegraph said it would not disclose the woman’s identity for privacy reasons.

After The Telegraph previously revealed details of the compensation payment, UEFA is reportedly considering launching an investigation into Infantino’s conduct during his 16 years at the organisation. UEFA confirmed that it had made a payment to a former employee and said that it had since tightened its internal regulations, but it did not reveal who approved the payment.

Sources claimed that the use of UEFA funds in question took place during Infantino’s tenure as general secretary.

It is reported that then-UEFA President Michel Platini questioned Infantino about the alleged relationship, after which the two sides agreed that the woman would leave UEFA with compensation.

Infantino has denied the allegations regarding the alleged relationship. A FIFA spokesperson reiterated the denial on Sunday, stating: “During Mr Infantino’s time in office, everything has always been handled in the correct manner.”