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Infantino Denies Lover Severance; FA Demands Resignation, Threatens Boycott

8/8/2026

Summary

Infantino Denies Payment

Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, denies UEFA paid a six-figure severance to a woman alleged to be his lover.
UEFA confirmed the payment and MBA fees were made to the employee and said they complied with regulations then.
FA president Lise Klaveness demanded Infantino resign and warned of a boycott unless the plan to sell up to 20 % of a World Cup subsidiary is withdrawn.

Summary

Infantino Affair Alleged

The alleged affair between Gianni Infantino and a junior employee spanned 2009-2016 while he served as UEFA secretary-general.
During that period the junior employee received a promotion and a 30 percent salary increase.
Former UEFA president Michel Platini reportedly raised concerns about the relationship directly with Infantino at the time.
Infantino joined UEFA in 2000, became secretary-general in 2009, and departed the post in February 2016.

History

Historical Context

May 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted fourteen officials in a $2 billion bribery scheme that targeted FIFA’s marketing and World Cup-hosting votes. Arrests at Zurich’s Baur au Lac hotel and subsequent Swiss raids prompted the Ethics Committee to suspend Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, while December 2015 saw eight-year bans. The episode sparked worldwide calls for independent audits and stronger oversight of football’s governing bodies.

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Infantino Denies Payment

Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, denies UEFA paid a six-figure severance to a woman alleged to be his lover.
UEFA confirmed the payment and MBA fees were made to the employee and said they complied with regulations then.
FA president Lise Klaveness demanded Infantino resign and warned of a boycott unless the plan to sell up to 20 % of a World Cup subsidiary is withdrawn.

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