UEFA confirms Infantino paid lover “departure payment”

8.8.2026
European football governing body UEFA continues to tighten the screws on FIFA president Gianni Infantino in their bid to force his resignation.
UEFA confirmed that a FIFA female staff who was allegedly having an affair with Infantino when he was secretary-general of the world football governing body was given a six-figure “departure payment” in order for her to cover up the affair.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Friday night that the woman received a six-figure sum following the alleged relationship with current FIFA president Infantino.
In a statement, UEFA confirmed a payment was made along with covering the fees for an MBA course, which it said was “in line” with regulations at the time.
Infantino worked at UEFA for 16 years and was its general secretary from 2009 before being elected as FIFA president in February 2016.
A UEFA spokesperson 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 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.”
A FIFA spokesman told the Telegraph on Friday: “FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue.
“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.”