By Ghazali Ibrahim
UEFA has confirmed that a departure payment was made to a woman who was allegedly in a relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during his time at the European football governing body.
According to reports by The Telegraph, the payment was made while Infantino was serving as UEFA’s general secretary.
The report claims that the woman received a six-figure sum after leaving UEFA, while the organisation also covered the cost of her Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at a local business school.
UEFA confirmed that it was aware of the allegations but said the payments were made in accordance with staff regulations that were in place at the time.
“We are aware of the allegations and can confirm a departure payment was made to the individual in question, coupled with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school,” UEFA said.
The organisation added that the payments complied with its regulations governing departing employees at the time.
“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,” UEFA said.
Infantino, who is married and has four children, spent 16 years working at UEFA between 2000 and 2016 before becoming FIFA president.
The latest allegations come as Infantino faces renewed pressure over his leadership of FIFA, following controversy surrounding plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to investors.
The alleged payment and relationship date back to Infantino’s UEFA years and do not, by themselves, establish any wrongdoing by the FIFA president.
