Infantino Denies Alleged UEFA Payoff Amid Growing Governance Crisis

On August 8, 2026, a FIFA spokesperson announced that President Gianni Infantino “strongly denies” reports that UEFA paid a six-figure departure settlement to a female employee alleged to have been in a relationship with him while he served as UEFA general secretary (2009-2016). The claim originates from an investigation by *The Daily Telegraph*, which said the payment also covered tuition for an MBA programme. UEFA confirmed that a “departure payment” and MBA fees were made, stating the arrangement complied with the regulations in force at the time.

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Infantino joined UEFA in 2000, became its general secretary in 2009, and was elected FIFA president in February 2016. Since early 2026 he has faced intense scrutiny over a proposed private-investment model that would have allowed investors to acquire up to 20 % of a new commercial subsidiary handling World Cup rights. The plan was rejected by UEFA, CONMEBOL, CAF and other confederations, prompting a public apology from Infantino and a threatened boycott of FIFA competitions by UEFA.

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• Six-figure settlement: *The Daily Telegraph* reported the amount was in the six-figure range.

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

• MBA tuition: Sources cited a fee of roughly £45,000 (? S$77,000) for the employee’s business-school programme.

The Straits Times

• Regulatory change: UEFA notes that staff-departure regulations were tightened after 2016.

Gianni Infantino: UEFA aware of allegation it paid off an alleged mistress of FIFA president while he worked at European governing body

• A FIFA spokesperson reiterated that no employee at either organisation has ever lodged a complaint about Infantino’s conduct.

FIFA's Gianni Infantino fights off fresh scandal as Uefa confirms payment to alleged 'lover' amid calls to resign

• Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF), called for Infantino’s immediate resignation and urged the FIFA Ethics Committee to intervene.

Al Jazeera (website)

• UEFA has reiterated its threat to boycott all FIFA-organized competitions if the president remains in office, a stance reaffirmed on the scheduled August 6 meeting.

FIFA's Gianni Infantino fights off fresh scandal as Uefa confirms payment to alleged 'lover' amid calls to resign

• Several European national associations have withdrawn support for Infantino’s re-election bid, while CONMEBOL, CAF and the football federations of Mexico and Argentina continue to back him.

FIFA's Gianni Infantino fights off fresh scandal as Uefa confirms payment to alleged 'lover' amid calls to resign

• UEFA confirmed the financial settlement but did not confirm that a romantic relationship existed.

FIFA boss Infantino denies claim UEFA paid alleged former lover

• The precise timing of the alleged relationship within Infantino’s 2009-2016 tenure remains unspecified.

New York Post

• “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

• “The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time.” — Infantino. UEFA, time as secretary

FIFA boss Infantino denies claim UEFA paid alleged former lover

• UEFA’s boycott threat will be reviewed at its scheduled August 6 meeting, with potential ramifications for upcoming FIFA tournaments.

FIFA boss Infantino denies claim UEFA paid alleged former lover

• The FIFA presidential election, slated for March 2027, will determine whether Infantino retains the federation’s top post amid the ongoing controversy.

GB News