Event
FIFA issued a statement on Saturday defending President Gianni Infantino against what it described as a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine his leadership. The defence followed accusations by the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph that Infantino paid off a former lover while at UEFA, allegations he has categorically denied. UEFA confirmed a departure payment was made to a female staffer but stated it complied with regulations at the time. The controversy arises amidst a standoff over Infantino's rejected proposal to sell World Cup commercial rights, which has led to threats of boycotts from UEFA and other confederations.
2 published stories · fifa · source reliability 50%
Gianni Infantino denies affair allegations reported by The Daily Telegraph, while UEFA confirms a past departure payment complied with regulations at the time.
Background
FIFA has issued a formal defence of President Gianni Infantino, describing recent allegations as part of a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine his leadership. These claims, reported by *The Daily Telegraph*, allege that Infantino made a payment to a former lover during his tenure at UEFA, which he has categorically denied. UEFA confirmed that a departure payment was made to a female staffer but stated it complied with regulations in place at the time. This controversy coincides with a significant governance crisis following the rejection of Infantino’s proposal to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights. UEFA, alongside CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions until the plan is scrapped. FIFA’s management board previously backed Infantino, who has apologised for the process surrounding the rejected proposal.
FIFA has issued a formal defence of President Gianni Infantino, describing recent allegations as part of a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine his leadership. These claims, reported by *The Daily Telegraph*, allege that Infantino made a payment to a former lover during hi
Fact cards
Key entities: Gianni Infantino, FIFA, UEFA, The Daily Telegraph, CONCACAF, Asian Football Confederation.
What are the allegations against Gianni Infantino? *The Daily Telegraph* reported that Infantino paid off a former lover while at UEFA, allegations he has categorically denied. Did UEFA confirm a payment was made? Yes, UEFA confirmed a departure payment was made to a female staff
16 years prior to election: Gianni Infantino served at UEFA before being elected FIFA president. 2016: UEFA tightened rules for departing staff to reflect modern organisational standards. Last Wednesday: FIFA’s management board met in Morocco to back Infantino; he subsequently ap
Timeline
Gianni Infantino served at UEFA before being elected FIFA president.
UEFA tightened rules for departing staff to reflect modern organisational standards.
FIFA’s management board met in Morocco to back Infantino; he subsequently apologised over the process of the rejected commercial rights plan.
UEFA stated that the announcement of the departure payment "changes nothing" regarding its stance on the commercial rights proposal.
FIFA issued a statement defending Infantino against allegations reported by *The Daily Telegraph*.
FAQ
*The Daily Telegraph* reported that Infantino paid off a former lover while at UEFA, allegations he has categorically denied.
Yes, UEFA confirmed a departure payment was made to a female staffer but stated it complied with regulations at the time.
The controversy arises from the rejection of Infantino’s proposal to sell World Cup commercial rights, leading to boycott threats from UEFA and other confederations.
The investigation targets FIFA’s dynamic pricing structures and seat allocation accuracy for the 2026 World Cup, particularly regarding MetLife Stadium.
Allegations concern an exit package paid by UEFA to a former female staffer during Infantino’s time as general secretary, reported by The Daily Telegraph.
UEFA confirmed a departure payment was made to the employee and stated it was in line with regulations at the time.
FIFA describes the criticism as a concerted effort to undermine Infantino’s democratic mandate and accuses critics of using unsubstantiated assertions.
Yes, attorneys-general from New York and New Jersey have issued a subpoena regarding dynamic pricing and seat allocation for the 2026 World Cup.