UEFA confirms payout to former employee under Infantino amid denials of affair
UEFA has confirmed a “departure payment” was made to a former employee during Gianni Infantino’s tenure as general secretary, amidst his strong denials of inappropriate conduct. Reports had suggested a six-figure sum was paid to a woman who allegedly had a relationship with Infantino while he led UEFA from 2009 to 2016.
FIFA, the world governing body for football, has dismissed these allegations as “categorically untrue.” A spokesperson for FIFA stated that any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory. Infantino himself “strongly denies these allegations.”
The reports, initially published by a British newspaper, claimed that the woman was promoted to a “more lucrative managerial role” and received a payment upon leaving the organization. It was also reported that UEFA covered the fees for her MBA course. The woman was not identified in the report.
UEFA, in its statement, confirmed that 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.” The organization clarified that this payment was “in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time.” However, UEFA also noted that such regulations have since been “tightened” following 2016. The current staff regulations, which apply to all UEFA employees, are described as reflecting those found in a modern, high-profile organization.
FIFA’s Response and Internal Pressure
FIFA has issued a statement condemning what it describes as a “concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President.” The organization asserted that those without the support of FIFA’s Member Associations should not attempt to achieve their goals through “allegation, insinuation or misinformation.”
The governing body emphasized that it welcomes legitimate scrutiny but views it as distinct from distorting facts, amplifying unsubstantiated allegations, or manufacturing distractions. FIFA stated its intention to challenge inaccurate or misleading reporting directly and vigorously. The organization reiterated its commitment to its 211 member associations and to football globally, stating it would not be distracted from strengthening the organization and delivering for its members.
Pressure has been mounting on Infantino following the exposure and subsequent collapse of plans to sell partial commercial and operational rights to the World Cup. These controversial plans, which were leaked weeks ago, were ultimately scrapped. Despite this, FIFA has faced significant scrutiny.
Senior FIFA officials expressed their support for Infantino after a crisis meeting. However, UEFA continues to threaten a boycott of future men’s and women’s World Cups. This threat persists even after the sell-off plans were abandoned, with UEFA seeking assurances that similar situations will not recur. A boycott by UEFA member countries could significantly impact the value of any World Cup, as six of the current top 10 teams in both men’s and women’s football would not participate.
Divisions Among Football Bodies
The players’ union, FIFPRO, has also indicated a fundamental break in its confidence in FIFA’s leadership. This adds to the growing concerns within the football community regarding the governance of the sport.
In contrast, CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation, which had previously opposed the controversial plans, has stated it will not support an extraordinary congress to vote on Infantino’s future. Instead, CONMEBOL will adhere to the existing timeline for the presidential election, which is scheduled for early next year.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has backed Infantino. CAF is understood to be more reliant on the financial distributions from FIFA compared to other continental confederations. This divergence in support highlights the varying perspectives and interests among the global football bodies regarding Infantino’s leadership.
The ongoing discussions and differing stances among these confederations underscore the complex dynamics within international football governance.
Source: cnn.com
