Infantino denies UEFA payout to alleged lover as FIFA crisis deepens
- Gianni Infantino has denied allegations that UEFA made a payment to a woman he allegedly had an affair with.
- UEFA has confirmed a payout to a former employee during Infantino's tenure as its president.
- FIFA has criticised what it calls a campaign to undermine Infantino amid a deepening leadership crisis.
Denial amid fresh allegations
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has categorically denied reports that UEFA, the European football governing body, made a payment to a woman he allegedly had an affair with. The denial comes after The Telegraph published an exclusive report claiming that UEFA paid off the woman, who is described as Infantino's alleged lover.
Infantino, who served as UEFA's general secretary before taking charge of FIFA in 2016, has not commented publicly on the details of the report. However, sources close to him have dismissed the allegations as baseless and part of a coordinated attempt to tarnish his reputation.
UEFA confirms payout to ex-employee
UEFA has confirmed that it made a payment to a former employee during Infantino's time at the organisation, but has declined to provide specifics. The confirmation follows mounting media scrutiny, with multiple outlets, including CNN and ThePrint, linking the payout to the alleged affair.
Details of the payment remain unclear — UEFA has not disclosed the amount, the reason for the payout, or the identity of the recipient. The organisation has said only that the matter was handled in accordance with its internal policies and legal obligations.
FIFA hits back at critics
As the story gains traction, FIFA has issued a statement criticising what it calls a campaign to undermine Infantino. The global football body accused unnamed actors of using unsubstantiated claims to destabilise its leadership ahead of a period of significant reform and expansion.
The statement did not address the specific allegations but expressed confidence in Infantino's leadership. FIFA also warned that such efforts could distract from its focus on developing football worldwide and preparing for the upcoming World Cup tournaments.
Leadership crisis intensifies
The controversy adds to a growing list of challenges facing Infantino, who has been a polarising figure in world football. Critics have repeatedly raised questions about his management style, governance practices, and the organisation's transparency, while supporters point to record revenues and expanded global reach.
The timing of the allegations is particularly sensitive. With FIFA set to make key decisions on tournament hosting and commercial partnerships, the renewed scrutiny could complicate Infantino's agenda. Several member associations are reportedly watching developments closely, though none have publicly called for his resignation.
What to watch
Attention now turns to whether UEFA will release further details about the payout, and whether Infantino will make a formal public statement. FIFA's next executive committee meeting is expected to be a key moment, as members may face questions from the press and within their own federations.
The coming weeks will reveal whether these allegations gain further traction or fade as unsubstantiated claims. For now, the football world waits — and watches.