FIFA President Gianni Infantino Calls Allegations Over UEFA Six-Figure Payout and Alleged Lover Affair 'Defamatory'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has launched a forceful rebuttal against explosive allegations that UEFA funds were improperly used to finance a severance package for a former employee with whom he allegedly had a relationship during his tenure as UEFA General Secretary. Infantino, through a FIFA spokesperson, dismissed the claims as “categorically untrue” and 'defamatory' on August 8, 2026, as reports from an investigation by The Daily Telegraph sparked widespread controversy across the football world. UEFA Paid Six-Figure Payout to Gianni Infantino’s Alleged Lover During His Tenure As General Secretary: Report

The allegations, which surfaced in a detailed investigation, claim that the unnamed woman, initially in a junior administrative role, received a rapid promotion and a significant salary boost, reportedly reaching around 160,000 Swiss francs. Following her departure from UEFA, she allegedly received a substantial six-figure exit package, which controversially included funding for a business school MBA, estimated at approximately £45,000 per year. The report further suggests that former UEFA President Michel Platini confronted Infantino over the alleged relationship, leading to the employee’s exit with the generous payoff.

FIFA and UEFA Respond

Responding to the escalating claims, a FIFA spokesperson firmly stated, "FIFA 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 also emphasized that neither UEFA nor FIFA had ever received a formal complaint regarding Infantino's conduct during his time at either organization, asserting, "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."

UEFA, while confirming a departure payment was made to the individual, maintained that the payment was compliant with the regulations in place at the time. A UEFA statement clarified, "The individual in question received a severance payment upon leaving the organization," and confirmed that it also covered fees for an MBA course at a local business school. The European governing body added that its regulations have since been strengthened to reflect the standards expected of a modern, high-profile institution. UEFA Maintains World Cup Boycott Threat Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino Scraping FFE Plan.

Timeline of Allegations and Denials

• 2009-2016: Gianni Infantino served as UEFA General Secretary.
• August 8, 2026: The Daily Telegraph publishes an investigation detailing the alleged affair and exit package.
• August 8, 2026: FIFA President Infantino issues a strong denial, calling claims "categorically untrue" and "defamatory."
• August 8, 2026: UEFA confirms a departure payment was made, citing compliance with then-existing regulations.

Broader Context: Infantino Under Pressure

These fresh allegations come at a particularly sensitive time for Infantino, who is already grappling with significant backlash over other initiatives. Just days prior, he was forced to abandon a controversial proposal to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to private investors, a plan that met fierce opposition, notably from UEFA. Reports indicated that this aborted plan could have seen Infantino secure an annual salary of $30 million as the chief executive of the new commercial entity, further fueling questions about governance and transparency within football's highest echelons.

The combined weight of these controversies adds considerable pressure on Infantino's leadership, intensifying calls for greater accountability within FIFA and UEFA as both organizations navigate a complex period of scrutiny and reform.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2026 12:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).