UEFA has confirmed that it made a large payment to a former female employee during the time Gianni Infantino was serving as the organisation’s general secretary.
Infantino, who is now the president of FIFA, has strongly denied reports that the payment was connected to an alleged affair with the woman.
Reports claimed that the woman received a six-figure payment when she left UEFA after allegedly having a relationship with Infantino. FIFA rejected the claims, describing them as completely false.
A FIFA spokesperson said Infantino “strongly denies these allegations” and called any suggestion of inappropriate behaviour or a breach of rules defamatory.
UEFA, however, confirmed that the former employee received a departure payment and that the organisation also paid for her MBA studies at a local business school.
The football body said the payment followed the staff rules that were in place at the time. It added that its employment rules have since been changed and strengthened.
According to reports, the woman was allegedly promoted to a higher-paying management position before eventually leaving UEFA.
The controversy comes at a difficult time for Infantino, who is facing growing criticism over his leadership of FIFA.
FIFA recently faced strong opposition to a proposal involving private investment in the commercial rights of its major competitions, including the World Cup. The plan was eventually abandoned following widespread criticism.
UEFA has also threatened to boycott FIFA competitions and has questioned Infantino’s leadership.
A boycott by UEFA could affect several of the world’s leading football nations. Players’ union FIFPRO has also said that its confidence in FIFA’s leadership has been seriously damaged.
However, South America’s football governing body, CONMEBOL, has not supported efforts to challenge Infantino and has chosen to follow the normal schedule for the next FIFA presidential election.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also continued to support Infantino.
