FIFA president Infantino denies alleged affair, calls UEFA claims 'defamatory'

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has strongly denied allegations that UEFA funds were used to finance a severance package for a former employee with whom he allegedly had a relationship during his time as UEFA general secretary.The allegations, published in an investigation by The Daily Telegraph, claim the woman received a rapid promotion, a significant salary increase and, after leaving UEFA, a six-figure exit package that allegedly included funding for a business school MBA.Infantino, through a FIFA spokesperson, dismissed the claims as false and defamatory."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 stressed that neither UEFA nor FIFA had ever received a complaint regarding Infantino's conduct."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," a FIFA spokesman told the publication.What the report allegesAccording to The Daily Telegraph, the alleged events took place while Infantino served as UEFA general secretary between 2009 and 2016. The report claims the woman, initially employed in a junior administrative role, was quickly promoted to a managerial position with a salary of around 160,000 Swiss francs.It further alleges that then-UEFA president Michel Platini became aware of the relationship and gave Infantino an ultimatum, after which the employee left the organisation. The investigation also alleges that UEFA paid the woman a six-figure departure package and covered MBA tuition fees worth approximately £45,000 per year, with the payments allegedly coming from funds earmarked for grassroots football development.UEFA respondsUEFA has reportedly confirmed that a departure payment was made to the individual in question but said the payment was made in accordance with the rules that were applicable at the time. The governing body also said the payment covered fees for the woman to complete an MBA course at a local business school.UEFA added that its regulations have since been strengthened and now reflect the standards expected of a modern international sporting organisation.Fresh Controversy Adds to Pressure on InfantinoThe allegations come at a difficult time for Gianni Infantino, who is already facing scrutiny over his leadership of FIFA after the governing body withdrew a controversial private investment proposal linked to the commercial future of the World Cup. The plan sparked criticism from several football associations over concerns about transparency and governance, prompting Infantino to apologise to FIFA's 211 member associations.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.