UEFA Confirms Payment Linked to Infantino's Alleged Affair

UEFA confirmed that a “departure payment” was made to a female employee who was allegedly in a relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino while he was UEFA's general secretary from 2009 to 2016. The payment, reported to be a six-figure sum, was disclosed after a report by The Telegraph.

UEFA also covered the fees for the employee's MBA course at a local business school. A UEFA spokesperson stated that the payment complied with regulations for departing staff at the time and noted that staff regulations have been tightened since 2016.

Infantino, who has been married since 2001, is currently facing criticism over his proposal for private investment in FIFA competitions. Despite Infantino's apologies regarding the investment scheme, UEFA has threatened that its 55 member associations could boycott FIFA competitions.

Infantino is due to seek re-election as FIFA president next year, with several national football associations withdrawing their support.