The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is considering opening an investigation into the conduct of Swiss official Gianni Infantino throughout his 16-year tenure at the organization, following revelations that a former female employee received a six-figure financial payout amid allegations of a relationship between them during his time as General Secretary.
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The circumstances surrounding the case and reported details regarding the financial settlement given to the employee have raised concern inside UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Prominent figures within the organization are demanding a comprehensive probe into Infantino's tenure to examine how the settlement agreement was reached, whether the alleged relationship influenced personnel decisions during his time as General Secretary, and to inspect his conduct throughout his entire service with the governing body.
Infantino joined UEFA in 2000, spending 16 years there before departing in 2016 to assume the presidency of the International Association Football Federation (FIFA), succeeding Swiss official Sepp Blatter.
The case dates back to Infantino's time at UEFA, where reports indicate that the employee advanced from an entry-level position to a lucrative managerial role, accompanied by a 30 percent salary increase. According to sources, her rapid promotion caused widespread resentment within the organization.
According to information published by the British newspaper The Telegraph, Infantino was not permitted to approve the employee's severance package due to an alleged conflict of interest. Sources also indicated that Michel Platini, UEFA president at the time, confronted Infantino regarding the alleged relationship before an agreement was reached for the employee to depart with financial compensation.
UEFA confirmed that the payout made to the employee was "in compliance with applicable regulations" for departing staff at that time, noting that it subsequently tightened its employee rules and compensation policies to align with modern standards for international organizations.
Reports further revealed that following her departure, UEFA funded the employee’s MBA studies at a institution charging tuition fees of approximately £45,000 annually.
In response, FIFA strongly denied the allegations against its president, affirming that no complaints had been lodged by employees at either UEFA or FIFA regarding Infantino's conduct.
A FIFA spokesperson stated that Infantino "categorically denies these claims," describing them as "factually incorrect," and adding that any insinuation of improper conduct or regulatory violation constitutes defamation. The spokesperson asserted that all personnel procedures, including departure packages and compensation, were approved by the designated authorities in accordance with applicable rules.
In a further escalation, FIFA issued a statement criticizing what it described as a "coordinated and continuous effort" by certain parties to undermine the governing body and its president, emphasizing that those without the support of FIFA member associations should not attempt to achieve through "allegations, insinuations, or misinformation" what they failed to achieve otherwise.
The controversy comes at a time when Infantino faces one of his largest political crises since taking charge of FIFA, following escalating friction with UEFA over a proposed World Cup financing plan that would have granted a group of investors significant influence over the tournament's commercial interests.
UEFA had previously declared a loss of confidence in Infantino, while European national associations voted unanimously to boycott the upcoming World Cup, as the European body awaits guarantees that the controversial financing plan has been permanently shelved.
The crisis coincides with another debate over rising ticket prices for World Cup matches and controversy surrounding the suspension stay for American forward Folarin Balogun following intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite mounting pressure, Infantino remains determined to run in the FIFA presidential elections scheduled for next March in pursuit of a fourth and final term.
In North and Central America, CONCACAF member associations joined UEFA in criticizing the financing plan. However, Mexico broke ranks with the majority by declaring its support for Infantino—a move that raised questions, particularly given Mexico's pursuit to host the 2029 Club World Cup. Platini declined to comment on the British newspaper report.
