Full Breakdown
Allegations of Favoritism Involving FIFA President Gianni Infantino While He Was UEFA Secretary-General
8/8/2026, 9:07:18 PM
Alleged Promotion and Pay Boost for UEFA Employee
An investigation by *The Telegraph* claims that Gianni Infantino, then UEFA secretary-general (2009-2016), used his influence to advance a female UEFA staff member with whom he was reportedly romantically involved. The employee, unnamed in the report, moved from an administrative role to a management position, and her salary allegedly rose by about 30 percent to 160,000 Swiss francs (over €170,000) per year. After she left UEFA, she received a six-figure severance payment and was funded to attend a €52,000 MBA-type course at UEFA’s expense.
Background: Infantino’s UEFA Tenure and Personal Life
Infantino served as UEFA secretary-general from 2009 until his election as FIFA president on 26 February 2016. He has been married since 2001 to Lebanese sports administrator Leena Al-Ashqar (spelled Leena Al-Ashqar in some reports), with whom he has four daughters.
UEFA’s Response and Policy Changes
In a statement released late on August 7, UEFA acknowledged that it had made the severance payment and confirmed awareness of the allegations linking the employee to Infantino. The organization said it had since “tightened” its internal rules to align with those of a “modern, high-profile organization” and to prevent similar situations in the future. A UEFA spokesperson verified the payment and the rule amendment.
Financial Details of the Alleged Favoritism
- Salary increase: roughly 30 % to 160,000 Swiss francs annually.
- Severance: six-figure payout (exact amount not disclosed).
- Educational funding: approximately £45,000 (€52,000) for an MBA-style program.
Potential Implications for FIFA Governance
The allegations arrive amid broader scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership of FIFA, including criticism over proposed commercial arrangements for World Cup broadcasting rights. If the claims are substantiated, they could raise questions about governance standards, conflict-of-interest safeguards, and the integrity of decision-making within both UEFA and FIFA. UEFA’s stated rule changes aim to address such concerns, but observers note that the episode underscores the challenges of maintaining transparency in football’s top institutions.
