The Telegraph reports that UEFA made financial payments to an alleged mistress of FIFA President Gianni Infantino while he served as Secretary General of UEFA. This new disclosure intensifies the scrutiny surrounding Infantino, who is facing mounting pressure to resign after his controversial plan to privatize FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, failed spectacularly.
Before becoming FIFA President in 2016, Infantino spent 16 years at UEFA, serving as Deputy Secretary General from 2007 to 2009 before being promoted to Secretary General. According to The Telegraph, during his seven years in this role, Infantino reportedly had a romantic relationship with a female UEFA employee. Sources indicate that when UEFA’s then-President Michel Platini discovered the affair, he confronted Infantino and insisted that one of them must leave the organization.
Ultimately, it was Infantino’s alleged mistress who departed. While her identity remains undisclosed, the report states she held an administrative position when their relationship began and later received a promotion to a better-paid managerial role, which resulted in a 30% salary increase to 160,000 Swiss francs.
Compensation Package Included MBA Tuition
Reports indicate that the woman did not leave empty-handed; she received a financial settlement of at least six figures, amounting to hundreds of thousands of euros. Additionally, UEFA covered her tuition for an MBA program at a business school where annual fees are approximately £45,000.
A UEFA spokesperson confirmed the payments, asserting they were compliant with regulations at the time: “We are aware of the allegations and can confirm that the individual in question received a severance payment, along with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school. The payment was consistent with existing regulations for staff leaving the institution.” The spokesperson added that rules have been tightened since 2016, with current regulations reflecting the standards of a modern and high-profile organization.
FIFA also responded to The Telegraph’s investigation, with a spokesperson stating, “FIFA President Gianni Infantino firmly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue. Any insinuation regarding inappropriate behavior or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory. No employee of UEFA or FIFA has ever filed a complaint regarding Mr. Infantino’s conduct because there has never been an incident involving him.” The spokesperson emphasized that all actions related to employees, including departures and severance packages, have always been approved by competent directors in accordance with applicable regulations.
Infantino Was Married at the Time
It is noteworthy that Gianni Infantino has been married since 2001 to Leena Al Ashqar, a Lebanese national he met while she worked at the Lebanese Football Federation. The couple has four children together. The alleged affair with his UEFA colleague occurred outside of his marriage.
