Allegations Surface Regarding Former Uefa General Secretary
Allegations have emerged concerning a severance payment made by Uefa to an individual described as the alleged lover of Gianni Infantino, the current president of Fifa. This payment reportedly occurred while Infantino served as Uefa’s general secretary. Reports indicate that Infantino “strongly denies these categorically untrue allegations.”
Uefa has confirmed that a “departure payment was made to the individual in question.” The allegations suggest that this payment, a six-figure sum, was made to a woman who allegedly had a relationship with Infantino during his tenure at the European football governing body. Infantino is married, and a Fifa spokesperson stated that any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory.
The claims suggest that Uefa also covered the fees for the individual to complete an MBA course at a local business school. Uefa maintains that all payments made at the time were in line with existing regulations. However, the organisation noted that these regulations have since been tightened to reflect those found in modern, high-profile organisations.
Infantino Denies Claims Amidst Broader Pressures
A spokesperson for Infantino has firmly denied the allegations, stating that they are “categorically untrue.” The spokesperson further added that no employee at Uefa or Fifa has ever raised a complaint regarding Infantino’s behaviour, asserting that no such incident ever occurred. These denials come as Infantino faces significant pressure regarding his leadership of Fifa.
Infantino’s position as Fifa president has been under scrutiny following his aborted plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. He has apologised for “errors” made in these controversial proposals. Despite the apology, he did not step down, reportedly receiving backing from senior executives during a meeting in Morocco.
The allegations add to the existing pressures on Infantino, who has faced calls for his resignation over the private investment plan for the World Cup. European teams had threatened to boycott Fifa events even after the plans were abandoned, citing that certain conditions had not been met.
Organisational Responses and Background
Uefa’s statement confirmed the payment to the individual, clarifying that it included fees for an MBA course. The organisation reiterated that the payment adhered to the regulations for departing staff that were in place at the time. These regulations, Uefa noted, have been updated since 2016 to align with practices in contemporary, high-profile organisations.
Infantino joined Uefa in 2000 and rose to the position of general secretary in 2009. He held this role until 2016, when he was appointed as the president of Fifa. His tenure at Uefa spanned several years before he transitioned to lead the global football body.
While some European teams have expressed discontent, Infantino has received support from other football confederations. The South American confederation (Conmebol) and the Confederation of African Football (Caf) have publicly backed him. Additionally, the football associations of World Cup co-hosts Mexico and tournament runners-up Argentina have also shown their support for the Fifa president.
The allegations and subsequent denials highlight ongoing discussions surrounding governance and conduct within international football organisations. Uefa’s confirmation of the departure payment, coupled with Infantino’s strong denials, continues to draw attention to the matter.
The situation underscores the scrutiny faced by high-ranking officials in global sports. The Fifa president’s office has maintained that all actions taken were in accordance with applicable regulations and that no complaints were ever raised regarding his conduct.
Source: bbc.com