Infantino denies Daily Telegraph claim that UEFA paid alleged 'lover'
Gianni Infantino denied on 7 August 2026 that UEFA paid a severance to an alleged lover while he served as the organisation's general secretary, according to a Daily Telegraph investigation; a FIFA spokesman was quoted as saying Infantino "strongly denies these categorically untrue allegations".
UEFA confirmed that "a departure payment was made to the individual in question" and said the sum covered fees for the woman's completion of an MBA at a local business school, adding that payments were "in line with regulations at the time" though those regulations have since been tightened. BBC Sport has contacted FIFA and Infantino for comment.
The Telegraph reported the payment was a six-figure sum and described the woman as having an alleged relationship with Infantino during his time at European football's governing body; the story characterised the payment as a severance related to that affair. UEFA also said the arrangements reflected the rules then in place.
A FIFA spokesman told the Telegraph: "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 same spokesman added: "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 allegations come as Infantino faces scrutiny over his future as FIFA president after his aborted plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The 56-year-old has apologised for "errors" he made in those controversial proposals but did not step down after receiving backing from senior executives at a meeting in Morocco on Wednesday.
Political and confederation reactions to Infantino’s proposals have been mixed: Norway has called for him to resign, European teams have threatened to boycott FIFA events, while Conmebol and the Confederation of African Football have publicly backed him, as have the football associations of World Cup co-host Mexico and tournament runners-up Argentina.
The report and the surrounding dispute add to the pressure on Infantino as FIFA deals with the fallout from the private investment plans and threats of a boycott by European teams.
