FIFA president Infantino faces Telegraph investigation over alleged UEFA severance payment to 'lover'
A Daily Telegraph investigation alleges UEFA paid a six-figure severance to a woman described as Gianni Infantino's lover during his time as UEFA general secretary, with both UEFA and FIFA responding to the claims.
The Telegraph investigation
The Daily Telegraph published an investigation on 7 August 2026 alleging that UEFA paid a six-figure severance sum to a woman who had a relationship with Gianni Infantino during his tenure as UEFA General Secretary. The woman, whose identity the Telegraph has chosen not to disclose, was reportedly a junior administrative employee when the alleged relationship began. She was younger than Infantino, according to one source. During the relationship, Infantino allegedly promoted her to a management position, raising her salary by approximately 30 percent to about 160,000 Swiss francs per year, equivalent to roughly £147,000 or €171,000 depending on the source. The rapid promotion raised questions among colleagues at the time about whether Infantino was abusing his position of power to favour her.
Platini's ultimatum
Multiple sources told the Telegraph that the alleged relationship came to the attention of Michel Platini, then UEFA president and Infantino's superior. Platini allegedly confronted Infantino, telling him that one of the two had to leave the organisation.
Infantino reportedly chose to stay, and the woman subsequently left UEFA. According to the Telegraph's sources, Infantino also used his connections to help her find another well-paid position elsewhere. Platini declined to comment when contacted by English journalists.
- Infantino joins UEFA in various roles
- Infantino becomes UEFA General Secretary
- UEFA pays six-figure severance and MBA fees to woman who left the organisation
- Infantino leaves UEFA after 16 years to become FIFA president; UEFA subsequently tightens staff regulations
- Telegraph publishes investigation into the payment
UEFA confirms payment
UEFA issued a statement on Friday evening confirming that a departure payment had been made to the woman and that UEFA had also covered the fees for her to complete an MBA course at a local business school. The MBA fees were reported at approximately £45,000 per year by most sources, though one German-language source cited €52,500 per year. The exact amount of the severance payment is not known; the Telegraph reports only that it was a six-figure sum, citing former UEFA employees. UEFA stressed that the payment was made in accordance with regulations in force at the time.
We are aware of the accusations and can confirm that the person in question was given a departure payment, along with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school.
UEFA added that its staff regulations have been tightened since 2016 to reflect those of a modern, high-profile organisation.
FIFA rejects allegations
A FIFA spokesman told the Telegraph that Infantino strongly denies the allegations, calling them categorically untrue and defamatory.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory.
The spokesman added that no employee at UEFA or FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Infantino's behaviour, and that all corporate measures relating to staff, including departures and severance payments, were always approved by the relevant directors in accordance with all applicable regulations.
Broader pressure on Infantino
The allegations come at a difficult moment for Infantino, who is already facing resistance from UEFA over his management of world football and recently aborted plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, according to the BBC. Infantino has been married to Leena Al Ashqar since 2001 and has four children. He joined UEFA in 2000, became General Secretary in 2009, and left in 2016 after 16 years at the organisation to become FIFA president.
