Infantino Denies UEFA Payment Allegations Amid World Cup Investment Fallout

On August 8, 2026, reports surfaced that UEFA had made a “departure payment” to a female employee who was alleged to have been in a relationship with Gianni Infantino while he served as UEFA general secretary (2009-2016). The payment, described as a six-figure sum, also covered fees for the employee’s MBA programme at a local business school. Infantino, now FIFA president, issued a categorical denial of any misconduct.

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Infantino spent 16 years at UEFA, rising from lawyer in 2000 to general secretary in 2009 before being elected FIFA president in February 2016. In the weeks preceding the payment allegations, he faced intense scrutiny over a proposal to sell up to 20 % of a new commercial subsidiary that would manage FIFA’s tournament rights. The plan was rejected by UEFA and other continental confederations, prompting a backlash that included threats of a boycott of FIFA competitions.

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• The alleged severance amounted to a six-figure sum.

FIFA Chief, Gianni Infantino Breaks Silence, Denies UEFA Payment to Alleged Lover

• The payment additionally funded the employee’s MBA tuition.

Gianni Infantino Denies UEFA Paid Off Alleged Lover With Severance And MBA Fees: how 13 outlets framed it

• The spokesperson added that no UEFA or FIFA employee had ever lodged a complaint about Infantino’s behaviour and that all departure and severance packages had been approved by the appropriate directors in accordance with applicable regulations.

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• Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation, called for Infantino’s immediate resignation, stating that the Norwegian FA would ask the FIFA president to step down.

Sportskeeda

• UEFA reiterated its threat to boycott FIFA tournaments involving its 55 member associations if the dispute is not resolved, a stance echoed by several European federations.

FIFA boss Infantino denies claim UEFA paid alleged former lover

• While the African Confederation of Football (CAF) and the South American Confederation (CONMEBOL) expressed concerns over “repeated unilateral actions,” they have not joined the boycott call.

FIFA boss Infantino denies claim UEFA paid alleged former lover

• UEFA confirmed the payment but did not confirm the alleged romantic relationship, leaving the core allegation unverified.

FIFA boss Infantino denies claim UEFA paid alleged former lover

• No formal complaint has been recorded by either organisation, and the precise amount of the six-figure sum has not been disclosed in any source.

Irish Daily Mirror

“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 a MBA course at a local business school.” — Uefa spokesperson

The Guardian

UEFA’s boycott threat remains in force, and the issue is likely to surface again at the upcoming FIFA congress in March, where Infantino is expected to seek a fourth term. The outcome of the boycott discussions and any formal ethics inquiries could shape the leadership landscape ahead of the 2026 World Cup’s concluding stages.

Irish Daily Mirror