Embattled FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has denied allegations money intended for grassroots football was instead used to pay off an employee he is accused of having an affair with.
On Saturday morning (AEST), The Telegraph (UK) reported the woman was paid an undisclosed amount, believed to be in the six figures in British pounds, when she left UEFA.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been caught up in a fresh scandal involving an alleged mistress. Getty Images
She had reportedly been in a relationship with Infantino when he was the organisation’s general secretary. UEFA then paid for her to do an MBA at a ￡45,000-a-year business school, before Infantino used his influence to secure her a job elsewhere.
In a statement issued by FIFA, Infantino “strongly denies” the “categorically untrue” allegations.
“Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory,” it read.
“No employee at UEFA and FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr Infantino’s behaviour because there never was an incident where he was involved.
“All company actions related to employees, including any departure and severance packages, have always been approved by the appropriate directors in accordance with all applicable regulations.”
In its own statement, UEFA confirmed the organisation had both made the payments and paid for the business degree, but insisted they were in line with regulations at the time, which had now been tightened.
“We are aware of the allegations and can confirm a departure payment was made to the individual in question, coupled with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school. The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time,” the statement read.
“Such regulations have been tightened since 2016 and the current staff regulations – which apply to all UEFA employees at whatever level – reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation.”
The allegations come off the back of a torrid week for the now FIFA boss. His controversial plan to sell off the commercial rights to the World Cup fell over after UEFA members unanimously agreed to boycott future FIFA events, including the World Cup.
The saga has led to mounting pressure for him to stand down.
The Telegraph reported Infantino had promoted the woman from an administration role into a management position during the relationship, which came with a hefty pay increase.
Infantino joined UEFA in 2000, and left in February 2016 when he became head of FIFA. He married his wife Leena Al Ashqar in 2001, and the pair have four children together.
Then-UEFA president Michel Platini reportedly made a you-or-her ultimatum to Infantino, who said the woman would be the one to leave.
Both FIFA and UEFA are non-profit organisations, with proceeds intended to be spent on developing the game, including grassroots and junior football, player education, infrastructure programs, and transitioning players into new careers post-retirement.