UEFA escalates Infantino row, weighs probe into FIFA president

In this file photo, then-UEFA Secretary General Gianni Infantino inspects the match balls before a draw.

NYON, Switzerland, Aug 9: UEFA is considering opening an investigation into allegations involving FIFA President Gianni Infantino and a former UEFA employee dating back to his time as secretary-general of European soccer’s governing body, according to The Telegraph.

The British newspaper previously reported that Infantino paid the woman a six-figure sum following an alleged relationship between them. UEFA has acknowledged receiving the payment and said it was aware of allegations concerning a relationship between Infantino and the former employee.

According to the report, the woman was later promoted to an administrative position at UEFA and received a 30% salary increase. Then-UEFA President Michel Platini was reportedly informed about the situation and gave Infantino an ultimatum, according to sources cited by the newspaper.

The woman subsequently left UEFA with an allowance provided under the regulations governing employee departures at the time. She was also reportedly given £45,000 a year in funding to pursue a qualification at a business school.

UEFA is now seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding the payments and determine whether the alleged relationship influenced personnel decisions during Infantino’s time at the organization. The review is also expected to cover his conduct during his tenure at UEFA from 2000 to 2016.

FIFA has strongly rejected the allegations and defended Infantino. A spokesperson said the FIFA president “categorically denies” the claims, describing them as completely false and saying any suggestion of improper conduct or violations of FIFA’s statutes or regulations is defamatory.

FIFA has also pushed back against efforts to challenge the legitimacy of Infantino’s presidency, insisting that any process must comply with its statutes, democratic procedures and governance framework.

Echoing recent statements from CONMEBOL and CAF, FIFA said it would not support or tolerate any attempt to hold a presidential election process outside the organization’s established rules and procedures.

FIFA stressed that Infantino was democratically elected by its member associations and continues to carry out his duties under the mandate granted to him.

The governing body also accused unnamed parties of conducting what it described as coordinated efforts to undermine FIFA and its president through allegations and misinformation.

FIFA said those without the support of its member associations should not attempt to achieve through allegations or insinuations what they cannot accomplish through the organization’s established democratic processes.

The governing body added that recent reports contained unsupported assertions and claims it considers false, while stressing that legitimate scrutiny remains welcome.

“Speculation and insinuations should not be presented as facts,” FIFA said, adding that repeating an allegation does not make it true.