Infantino Denies Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct as UEFA Confirms Payment to Former Employee

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has come under scrutiny following reports of a six-figure payout to a former UEFA employee, with allegations suggesting the payment was made due to an affair between the two. However, Infantino has strongly denied these claims, stating that they are 'categorically untrue' and 'defamatory'. UEFA has confirmed that a departure payment was made to the individual in question, along with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school. The organization noted that the payment was in line with regulations at the time, but has since tightened its internal staff regulations. The allegations have emerged as FIFA faces intense pressure, with leaked plans to sell partial commercial and operational rights to the World Cup sparking widespread backlash. UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, and has publicly declared a loss of confidence in Infantino's leadership. The controversy has added to the challenges surrounding Infantino's upcoming re-election campaign, with senior FIFA officials expressing support but UEFA continuing to hold its boycott threat. Players' union FIFPRO has also stated that its confidence in FIFA's leadership 'has now been fundamentally broken'. Conversely, South American governing body CONMEBOL has declined to back an extraordinary congress to challenge Infantino, opting to follow the standard timeline for the upcoming presidential election. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also maintained its support for Infantino. According to The Telegraph, UEFA paid off the alleged mistress of Infantino while he served as general secretary from 2009 to 2016. Citing multiple anonymous sources, the outlet reported that Infantino had a 'relationship with a junior employee' who was later promoted to a 'more lucrative managerial role' before receiving a payout upon her departure.