FIFA denies allegations against president Infantino amid UEFA payment confirmation
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has strongly denied allegations of inappropriate conduct, describing them as “categorically untrue.” These denials follow reports concerning a “departure payment” made by UEFA to a former female employee. The reports suggest the payment was linked to an alleged relationship with Infantino during his tenure as UEFA’s general secretary.
A FIFA spokesperson stated that any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory. The spokesperson added that no employee at UEFA or FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr. Infantino’s behaviour, asserting that no such incident occurred.
UEFA confirms payment and policy changes
UEFA confirmed that a departure payment was made to the individual in question, alongside covering the fees for an MBA course at a local business school. UEFA clarified that this payment was in line with the regulations for departing staff that were in place at the time. However, the organisation noted that such regulations have been tightened since 2016, and current staff regulations now reflect those found in modern, high-profile organisations.
The allegations were initially reported by a British newspaper, which claimed the woman received a six-figure sum. This report cited multiple anonymous sources, suggesting that Infantino had a relationship with a junior employee during his time at UEFA, from 2009 to 2016. The report also indicated that the employee was promoted to a more lucrative managerial role and received a payment upon her departure, in addition to having her MBA course paid for.
Pressure on Infantino and FIFA’s response
These reports emerge as Infantino faces increasing pressure, particularly following his controversial plan to seek private investment for a company that would manage FIFA’s competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. This plan was rejected by UEFA and two other continental confederations. Although Infantino was backed by FIFA’s management board after a meeting in Morocco and issued an apology regarding the process, UEFA’s threat for its 55 member countries to boycott FIFA competitions until the plan was scrapped remains. The European confederation stated that Wednesday’s announcement “changes nothing.”
FIFA issued a statement condemning efforts to circumvent the organisation’s statutes, democratic procedures, and established governance framework. The statement highlighted an increasing and concerted effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president. It suggested that those without the support of FIFA’s member associations should not attempt to achieve their goals through allegation, insinuation, or misinformation.
FIFA’s statement also welcomed legitimate scrutiny but cautioned against distorting facts, amplifying unsubstantiated allegations, or manufacturing distractions designed to undermine progress. The organisation affirmed its commitment to directly and vigorously challenge any inaccurate or misleading reporting.
Divisions among football confederations
The controversy surrounding the commercial and operational rights for the World Cup has led to significant pressure on FIFA and Infantino. UEFA, which includes some of the world’s most powerful football nations, has publicly expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership and has threatened to boycott future FIFA competitions. If such a boycott were to occur, it could significantly devalue any World Cup, as six of the current top 10 teams in both men’s and women’s football would not participate.
FIFPRO, the players’ union, has also indicated that its confidence in FIFA’s leadership has been fundamentally broken. In contrast, CONMEBOL, which governs South American football and had previously opposed the plans, has stated it will not support an extraordinary congress to vote on Infantino’s future, opting instead to follow the existing timeline for the presidential election scheduled for early next year. The Confederation of African Football, which is more reliant on FIFA’s financial distributions, has voiced its support for Infantino.
Source: theguardian.com
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
