FIFA has publicly denounced what it describes as a "concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine" the organisation and its president, Gianni Infantino, following a series of allegations concerning his conduct during his tenure at UEFA. On Saturday, UEFA confirmed that it had issued a "departure payment" to a female employee who had reportedly been in a personal relationship with Infantino when he served as the European body’s general secretary. The Daily Telegraph reported that the woman received a six‑figure sum and that UEFA also covered the tuition fees for an MBA programme she was enrolled in. UEFA said the payment was "in line" with the regulations that were in force at the time of her departure.
These revelations have added fresh pressure to Infantino’s already complicated situation. He spent sixteen years at UEFA, holding the post of general secretary from 2009 until 2016 before moving on to win the FIFA presidential election. His rise to the top of world football came after a controversial episode in which he attempted to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors – a plan that was later abandoned amid widespread criticism.
Although FIFA’s statement did not quote UEFA directly, it accused Infantino’s detractors of trying to erode his authority and to force him out of office without following the proper re‑election procedures. The federation’s press release read in part: "It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president.
Those who do not have the support of FIFA's member associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA's established democratic processes." The statement continued, "Recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its president. Speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repetition does not make an allegation true." FIFA also highlighted Infantino’s long‑standing contribution to the sport, noting that the president has devoted more than three decades of his professional life to European and global football. "He has been instrumental in driving significant change, particularly in expanding access, resources and opportunities across the worldwide game," the federation said. "Change inevitably challenges established interests, but disagreement with that change cannot justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate of FIFA's president or the institution he was elected to lead." The governing body made it clear that while it welcomes legitimate scrutiny, such scrutiny should not be a licence to distort facts, amplify unverified accusations or create distractions designed to stall progress.
"Where reporting is inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will challenge it directly and vigorously," the statement asserted. FIFA reiterated its core responsibility to its 211 member associations and to football everywhere. "We will not be distracted or diverted from strengthening the organisation, delivering for our member associations and continuing the work of making football truly global," the statement concluded. "Through the FIFA president and the FIFA administration, our focus remains firmly on that mission, and we are more determined than ever to fulfil it." Infantino’s controversial proposal – the exact nature of which was rejected by UEFA and two other continental confederations – remains a flashpoint.
On Wednesday, the FIFA management board, meeting in Morocco, expressed support for Infantino and issued an apology for the way the process had been handled. Nevertheless, UEFA has threatened to rally its 55 member associations to boycott FIFA competitions unless the plan is withdrawn.
The European confederation reiterated on Thursday that Wednesday’s announcement "changes nothing". Following the Daily Telegraph’s claims, a FIFA spokesperson reportedly told the newspaper that Infantino "strongly denies these categorically untrue allegations". In response, a UEFA spokesperson confirmed that a departure payment had indeed been made to the individual in question, along with covering the cost of 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 spokesperson 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 episode underscores the broader tensions that can arise when senior officials move between powerful football institutions.
Critics argue that the payment, even if technically permissible under the rules of the day, raises questions about transparency and the handling of potential conflicts of interest. Supporters counter that the payment was a routine severance package, consistent with UEFA’s policy at the time, and that the subsequent tightening of regulations demonstrates a commitment to improved governance.
In the larger context, the dispute highlights how football’s governing bodies are increasingly under the microscope, with media outlets, member associations and fans demanding higher standards of accountability. The controversy also illustrates the delicate balance that leaders like Infantino must strike between pursuing ambitious reforms and navigating entrenched interests within the sport’s traditional power structures. As the situation unfolds, the key issue for FIFA will be to maintain credibility while defending its president against what it terms baseless attacks.
For UEFA, the challenge lies in demonstrating that its internal processes are robust and that any financial settlements are fully justified. Both organisations will likely continue to monitor public and media reaction closely, as any further revelations could have significant implications for the governance of world football. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that the governance of football is not just about the rules on the pitch but also about the integrity of the institutions that oversee the game.
Whether the allegations will lead to substantive changes in policy or remain a footnote in the ongoing saga of football politics remains to be seen, but the dialogue it has sparked about transparency, accountability, and the proper conduct of senior officials is likely to endure.