Infantino denies severance allegations as FIFA leadership crisis deepens
The FIFA President has categorically rejected claims that UEFA made a payment to a former employee, while political pressure mounts over competition stake sales and leadership confidence.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a categorical denial regarding allegations that UEFA made a severance payment to a female employee with whom he allegedly had an affair during his tenure as the organisation’s general-secretary. A spokesman for Infantino told the Daily Telegraph that any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes is defamatory, asserting that no employee at either UEFA or FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding his behaviour.
The denial follows reports that UEFA confirmed a departure payment and fees for an MBA course were made to the individual in question. UEFA stated that these payments were in line with regulations, while the Daily Telegraph reported the sum was six figures. Infantino, who served as UEFA’s general-secretary from 2009 to 2016, maintains that there never was an incident involving him.
These personal allegations emerge against a backdrop of significant institutional friction. UEFA has expressed a lack of confidence in Infantino’s leadership and reiterated threats to boycott future World Cups. The Norwegian Football Federation, led by president Lise Klaveness, has called for Infantino’s immediate resignation, marking a sharp escalation in the conflict between the European and global governing bodies.
The political pressure is compounded by backlash over Infantino’s plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors. While UEFA and the Norwegian federation oppose his direction, the Confederation of African Football has unanimously backed Infantino’s leadership. Mexico and Argentina have also thrown their weight behind the incumbent, whereas South American confederation CONMEBOL has expressed concerns over repeated unilateral actions taken without dialogue.
Infantino remains the sole candidate for the FIFA presidency, with nominations closing on 18 November and the election scheduled for March in Rabat. The 56-year-old Italian-Swiss lawyer is currently in Morocco, which is co-hosting the 2030 World Cup, as he prepares to campaign for a fourth and final term amidst the ongoing governance dispute.
