UEFA has said it is aware of a claim that the governing body for European football made a substantial payment to a woman who was allegedly involved with Gianni Infantino during his tenure as the organization’s general secretary. The story, first reported by The Telegraph, alleges that while Infantino was serving at UEFA, a woman believed to be his mistress received a six‑figure sum from the body.
The newspaper further claims that UEFA covered the cost of her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree after she left the organisation. The allegations have been met with a forceful denial from FIFA. In a statement to The Telegraph, a FIFA spokesperson said that President Gianni Infantino "strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue.
Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory." The spokesperson added that no employee at either UEFA or FIFA has ever lodged a complaint about Infantino’s behaviour, because, according to them, no such incident ever occurred. They also noted that all financial arrangements related to staff, including severance or departure packages, have always been approved by the appropriate directors and have complied with all relevant regulations.
UEFA itself confirmed to Sky Sports News that a payment was indeed made to an individual, but insisted that the transaction was fully compliant with the rules that were in place at the time. The governing body explained that the payment consisted of a departure sum together with the covering of tuition fees for an MBA programme at a local business school. "The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time," UEFA said.
"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 timeline of Infantino’s career provides context for the claim. He worked for UEFA from the year 2000 until his departure in 2016, when he assumed the role of FIFA president. During his sixteen‑year stint at the European body, Infantino rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the chief executive officer and playing a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s commercial and sporting strategies.
The alleged payment, according to the reports, would have taken place sometime before his move to FIFA, although the exact date has not been disclosed. The controversy touches on broader issues of governance, transparency, and the handling of staff departures within major sporting institutions. Over the past decade, both UEFA and FIFA have faced scrutiny over financial dealings, conflicts of interest, and the conduct of senior officials. In response, both organisations have introduced stricter compliance frameworks, tighter controls on severance packages, and more rigorous oversight of personal relationships that could give rise to perceived conflicts of interest.
Critics argue that even if the payment complied with the rules that existed at the time, the optics of a large sum being paid to someone linked personally to a senior executive could undermine public confidence. They point out that modern corporate governance standards demand not only compliance with the letter of the law but also adherence to the spirit of ethical conduct. The fact that UEFA’s regulations were revised after 2016 suggests that the governing body recognised a need to close potential loopholes and to ensure that future payments to departing staff are subject to heightened scrutiny. Supporters of Infantino, on the other hand, stress that there is no concrete evidence linking him to any wrongdoing.
They highlight his long record of service within UEFA and his subsequent leadership at FIFA, noting that he has overseen significant reforms, including the introduction of financial fair play measures and the expansion of the World Cup format. From this perspective, the allegations appear to be part of a broader pattern of attempts to tarnish his reputation, especially given the high‑stakes political environment that surrounds top‑level football administration. Legal experts note that defamation laws in many jurisdictions protect public figures from false statements that could damage their reputation.
The FIFA spokesperson’s reference to the allegations as "defamatory" underscores the seriousness with which the organisation is treating the matter. Should the claim be proven false, the parties making the allegations could face legal repercussions. Meanwhile, UEFA’s statement that the payment was consistent with the regulations in force at the time raises questions about how those regulations have evolved.
According to the body, the post‑2016 framework aligns with best practices observed in other high‑profile organisations, suggesting a move toward greater transparency and accountability. This shift may involve stricter limits on severance amounts, mandatory disclosures of any personal relationships that could affect decision‑making, and independent reviews of departure packages. The situation also highlights the challenges faced by large sporting bodies in managing personnel matters that intersect with personal relationships.
While it is not uncommon for organisations to provide educational assistance or career development support to departing staff, the inclusion of a partner or close associate in such arrangements can create perceived conflicts of interest. To mitigate these risks, many entities now require declarations of any personal connections that could influence financial decisions. As of now, FIFA has not provided additional comment beyond the initial denial, and Sky Sports News has indicated that it has reached out for further remarks. The lack of a definitive response leaves the matter open-ended, with the public and media likely to continue monitoring any developments.
In the meantime, the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of clear, transparent policies governing staff departures and the need for ongoing vigilance to maintain the integrity of football’s governing institutions.