UEFA has confirmed that a former female staff member linked to Gianni Infantino received a departure payment and had her MBA fees covered after leaving the organisation, following a report by The Telegraph.
The newspaper reported that the woman was allegedly in a relationship with Infantino during his time as UEFA general secretary and received a six-figure sum after her departure. It also reported that UEFA paid for her MBA at a local business school.
UEFA has confirmed that payments were made to the individual but insisted that they complied with the regulations governing departing employees at the time.
In a statement to Sky Sports News, UEFA said:
“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 a MBA course at a local business school.”
The organisation added:
“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.”
Responding to The Telegraph, a FIFA spokesperson said Infantino strongly denies the allegations:
“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.”
FIFA also maintained that there had never been a formal complaint against Infantino during his time at UEFA or FIFA.
“No employee at UEFA and FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr Infantino’s behaviour because there never was an incident where he was involved.
The spokesperson further defended the handling of staff departures and severance arrangements, saying:
“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.”
The relationship between UEFA and Infantino has also taken a turn for the worse in recent years. What was once a fairly cordial relationship has been replaced by growing disagreements over FIFA’s plans, the running of the game and its commercial direction. UEFA has become increasingly vocal in its opposition to some of Infantino’s moves, leaving the two sides further apart than ever.
