FIFA has issued a robust defense of its president, Gianni Infantino, against allegations reported by The Telegraph concerning an alleged affair with a UEFA staffer during his time as general secretary of the organization. The staffer reportedly received a six-figure payment from UEFA.
FIFA described the allegations as "unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims," stating that there is a "concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president." In a statement, FIFA asserted that individuals lacking the support of member associations should not attempt to achieve their goals through "allegation, insinuation or misinformation."
The report claims the individual in question was promoted to a management position while allegedly in a relationship with Infantino. Following her departure from UEFA, her MBA course fees were reportedly paid by the organization. UEFA confirmed this payment, stating it was "in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time." UEFA also noted that such regulations have been tightened since 2016, with current staff rules reflecting those of a modern organization.
Infantino, who worked for UEFA for 16 years and served as general secretary from 2009 before becoming FIFA president in 2016, was reportedly challenged over the alleged relationship by former UEFA president Michel Platini. An anonymous source told The Telegraph that Infantino "made a huge mistake and it almost cost him his career."
These allegations surface amid ongoing scrutiny of Infantino's leadership, following criticism that emerged after the conclusion of the World Cup regarding his plan to privatize the global tournament, a plan that ultimately failed and prompted calls for his resignation from Norway.