Telegraph alleges UEFA paid six-figure sum to woman linked to Infantino during his UEFA tenure

The Telegraph allegation

The Daily Telegraph reported on 7 August that a woman alleged to have had a relationship with Gianni Infantino received a six-figure departure payment from UEFA during the period Infantino served as the organisation's general secretary. The woman, who joined UEFA in 2000 and spent 16 years at the organisation, was initially employed in an administrative role before being promoted to a managerial position during the alleged relationship. According to the Telegraph's sources, the promotion and a 30% salary increase, bringing her annual compensation to 160,000 Swiss francs, had attracted scrutiny within UEFA. The Telegraph chose not to name the woman, who is described as younger than Infantino. Infantino is married and has four children.

After the woman's departure from UEFA, the organisation covered the cost of an MBA programme at a local business school, amounting to approximately 45,000 pounds per year, in addition to the six-figure departure compensation. The Telegraph contacted colleagues of Infantino and senior football executives who claimed that the FIFA president ensured the woman left with a substantial severance package.

Platini's involvement and the departure

According to the Telegraph's investigation, the then-UEFA president Michel Platini was informed about the situation and asked Infantino for explanations. Sources cited by the newspaper said it was subsequently decided that the employee would leave the organisation with the financial package. The alleged relationship occurred while Infantino served as UEFA general secretary, before he became FIFA president in February 2016. The woman had been at UEFA for 16 years by the time of her departure.

UEFA confirms payment

UEFA confirmed that a departure payment had been made to the individual, along with coverage of MBA tuition fees, and said it was aware of the allegations about the relationship. A UEFA spokesperson told Sky Sports that the payment was in line with regulations applicable to departing staff at that time.

We are aware of the allegations and can confirm that a departure payment was made to the individual in question, combined with the payment of tuition fees for an MBA programme at a local business school. The payment was in accordance with the regulations that applied to departing staff at that time. Such regulations have been tightened since 2016 and the current staff regulations, which apply to all UEFA employees at any level, reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation.

FIFA rejects claims

A FIFA spokesperson told the Telegraph that Infantino categorically denies the allegations, calling them absolutely false and defamatory.

The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, categorically denies these allegations and they are categorically false. Any suggestion of inappropriate behaviour or breach of laws or regulations is defamatory.

The spokesperson added that no employee of UEFA or FIFA had ever filed a complaint about Infantino's behaviour, because there had never been an incident in which he was involved. All company actions relating to employees, including departure packages and compensation, had always been approved by the relevant members of the executive board in accordance with applicable regulations.

The Telegraph report follows earlier criticism of Infantino's decisions and management of the world federation, including a controversial plan to sell shares in the World Cup that did not proceed after widespread backlash.