European soccer's governing body says it delivered payments to a woman who British newspaper The Telegraph alleges was involved in an extra-marital relationship with Gianni Infantino.
Infantino is now the president of FIFA, global soccer's governing body, but the relationship allegedly took place while the Swiss administrator served as UEFA's general secretary between October 2009 and February 2016.
The newspaper reported Infantino promoted the woman while they were carrying on their relationship, with the woman given a six-figure payment and also seeing her MBA study covered by UEFA. The governing body says its records indicate a payment was made and the course was covered but says that was in line with the organization's regulations at the time of the incident.
"We are aware of the allegations and can confirm a departure payment was made to the individual in question, coupled with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school," UEFA said in a statement shared with USA TODAY Sports. The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time.
"Such regulations have been tightened since 2016 and the current staff regulations – which apply to all Uefa employees at whatever level – reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation."
#infantino
Infantino is now the president of FIFA, global soccer's governing body, but the relationship allegedly took place while the Swiss administrator served as UEFA's general secretary between October 2009 and February 2016.
The newspaper reported Infantino promoted the woman while they were carrying on their relationship, with the woman given a six-figure payment and also seeing her MBA study covered by UEFA. The governing body says its records indicate a payment was made and the course was covered but says that was in line with the organization's regulations at the time of the incident.
"We are aware of the allegations and can confirm a departure payment was made to the individual in question, coupled with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school," UEFA said in a statement shared with USA TODAY Sports. The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time.
"Such regulations have been tightened since 2016 and the current staff regulations – which apply to all Uefa employees at whatever level – reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation."
#infantino
1 day ago
