FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially refuted reports suggesting that UEFA provided funds to an alleged former partner while he served as the organization’s general secretary. A recent report from The Telegraph alleged that a woman received a substantial payout and tuition for an MBA program from UEFA following their professional association.
Infantino held various roles at UEFA from 2000 until his appointment as FIFA president in 2016. Allegations suggested he influenced the woman’s career advancement during their time together. UEFA confirmed that a payment was issued, stating it adhered to the staff departure regulations active at that time. A spokesperson noted that these protocols have since been updated to meet modern organizational standards.
In a formal response, a FIFA representative stated that Infantino firmly denies all claims, describing them as entirely false and defamatory. The statement emphasized that no official complaints regarding Infantino’s conduct have ever been filed at either organization. Every personnel decision, including severance packages, reportedly underwent proper internal approval processes.
This controversy emerges amidst broader scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership, particularly following his failed proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in World Cup commercial rights to private equity investors. That initiative was scrapped after facing widespread backlash and threats of boycotts from various football associations.
