Infantino denies allegations over relationship with former UEFA employee

FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, have strongly denied allegations concerning his relationship with a former employee of UEFA during his time as the organisation’s secretary general.

The denial was issued to The Telegraph after the newspaper reported that UEFA allegedly paid a six-figure sum to a former employee who was said to have had a relationship with Infantino.

FIFA spokesman said: “FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory.

“No employee at Uefa and Fifa has ever raised a complaint regarding Infantino’s behaviour because there never was an incident where he was involved. All company actions related to employees, including any departure and severance packages, have always been approved by the appropriate directors in accordance with all applicable regulations.”

According to The Telegraph, the woman was allegedly promoted by Infantino during the relationship and later received financial support from UEFA for an MBA at a business school after leaving the organisation.

Infantino served as UEFA general secretary from 2009 to 2016 before being elected FIFA president. He has since been re-elected twice without opposition.

Infantino has been married since 2001 and has four children.

By Sabina Mammadli