Calls for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign have intensified following reports that UEFA paid a six-figure sum to a woman with whom he allegedly had an affair during his tenure as UEFA's general secretary. The payment, made to a junior employee, reportedly coincided with her promotion and a 30% pay raise.
UEFA confirmed to The Telegraph that a departure payment was made to the individual, which also covered the cost of an MBA course valued at £45,000 per year. The organization stated the payment aligned with regulations in place at the time, though these have since been tightened.
Infantino, who has been married since 2001 and has four daughters, began his career at UEFA in 2000. He rose to become UEFA secretary general in 2009 before being elected FIFA president in 2016, succeeding Sepp Blatter. He was re-elected in 2019 and again in 2023.
These revelations come as Infantino faces significant opposition from UEFA, which is boycotting FIFA tournaments due to his scrapped plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The European governing body is leading efforts to remove him from his position.
Despite the growing pressure and calls for his resignation, including a potential investigation initiated by the Norwegian FA president, Infantino has shown no indication of stepping down. He reportedly retains support from football confederations in Africa, South America, and Asia, which may be sufficient to secure a fourth term in the upcoming FIFA congress in Morocco.
Mexico has publicly reaffirmed its confidence in Infantino's leadership, breaking ranks with the CONCACAF opposition. UEFA's potential non-participation in FIFA competitions could create substantial financial challenges for the governing body, potentially prompting Infantino to reassess his position. However, Infantino has maintained his stance, vowing to continue fighting despite demands for his resignation.