UEFA threatens FIFA boycott over investment plan
UEFA vows to boycott FIFA competitions as tensions rise over a new private investment plan.
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, who is married to former Lebanon Football Federation employee Leena Al Ashqar, denied the allegations through a FIFA spokesperson.
“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,” the organization told the Telegraph. “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.
“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.”
USA TODAY Sports has contacted FIFA to provide the opportunity for additional comment.
The Telegraph investigation becomes public at a time of great turmoil between the two governing bodies. UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA competitions after Infantino advanced a proposal that would’ve seen the World Cup begin to take private investment.
Infantino walked back that plan after backlash from fans and from FIFA members in UEFA and elsewhere, but UEFA has indicated the boycott threat stands and the Norwegian Football Federation is leading an effort asking for the president to step down before the March 2027 elections.
FIFA and UEFA have clashed on several occasions in recent years, with the European body also objecting to many FIFA plans surrounding the Club World Cup. UEFA’s Champions League is the most lucrative club tournament in the world.