Infantino in the crosshairs of media over a new scandal shaking FIFA

The British newspaper The Telegraph revealed that UEFA paid substantial sums to an employee who, according to allegations, had a relationship with Gianni Infantino during his tenure as UEFA Secretary General. The employee received a six-figure sum, in addition to funding for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, sparking widespread controversy over the use of funds earmarked for developing grassroots football.

According to the investigation, the employee was promoted to a higher administrative position and received a 30% salary increase during the alleged relationship. She eventually left the organization following a large financial settlement, after Infantino faced an ultimatum from former UEFA President Michel Platini, who gave him the choice between resigning or ending the relationship. Sources confirmed that Platini told Infantino, “It’s either her or you,” leading to the agreement for the employee’s departure with a financial settlement.

In an official statement, UEFA confirmed the payment of severance and education costs, clarifying that these actions were compliant with the regulations in place at the time, which have since been tightened since 2016 to reflect modern corporate standards. A UEFA spokesperson added, “We are aware of these allegations, and we can confirm that severance payments were made to the individual in question, along with the payment of costs for an MBA degree program,” noting that current regulations are stricter and apply to all employees across all levels.

The issue arises as Infantino faces mounting pressure over his controversial plan to sell shares in a company managing FIFA competitions, including the Men’s and Women’s World Cups, to private investors. UEFA and other continental confederations have rejected the plan. Infantino secured the support of the FIFA Board following a meeting held in Morocco, where he apologized for the manner in which the process was handled. The threat of a UEFA boycott of FIFA competitions by its 55 member associations remains in place until the project is abandoned.

Infantino, who worked at UEFA for 16 years and served as Secretary General from 2009 until his election as FIFA President in February 2016, now faces a new crisis adding to a series of criticisms that have followed him in recent years, amid growing calls to review his role in leading global football.

During a visit to Cali, Colombia, to attend the inauguration ceremony of new CONMEBOL President Abardo de la Espriella, Infantino received support from several South American confederations amid the crisis rocking world football’s governing body.

Although he declined to answer press questions regarding the crisis, Infantino appeared at a children’s festival, emphasizing that “football is joy and unity,” and calling for a focus on bringing happiness to younger generations, away from political rhetoric.

CONMEBOL expressed concern over the unilateral measures taken by FIFA but stressed the importance of dialogue. Ecuadorian Football Federation President Francisco Iguaz expressed confidence in Infantino and the current FIFA leadership. Confederations from Venezuela, Paraguay, and Argentina also voiced their support, contrasting with strong opposition from UEFA and CONCACAF.

In Europe, Norwegian Football Association President Lisa Kvavik has called for Infantino’s resignation, while Mexico, one of the host nations for the 2026 World Cup, has taken a different stance, announcing its support for his leadership. This comes eight months before the end of his second term, as he prepares to run in the March 2027 elections in Rabat as the sole candidate so far.