Une importante somme d’argent pour couvrir une liaison supposée avec une employée à l’UEFA? Une nouvelle affaire embarrassante pour Gianni Infantino

According to an investigation by The Telegraph, UEFA allegedly paid a significant sum of money to a female colleague who was reportedly in a relationship with Gianni Infantino when the current FIFA president served as the European governing body's general secretary.

This is a new scandal that Gianni Infantino would have preferred to avoid. The FIFA president is currently weathering a major storm. The controversy stems from his highly criticized and ultimately abandoned plan to open up to private investors through the creation of a commercial company that would have been responsible for organizing World Cups, among other things. At a time when his position is greatly weakened, The Telegraph has revealed potentially compromising information about the Italo-Swiss official.

The revelations pertain to a period when Gianni Infantino was the general secretary of UEFA, then presided over by Michel Platini. According to the English media, UEFA allegedly paid a substantial, six-figure sum to an employee who was reportedly Gianni Infantino's mistress. The colleague was reportedly promoted by Infantino during their alleged relationship, with a 30% salary increase. After her departure, UEFA also allegedly financed her MBA (Master of Business Administration) at a business school. Infantino has been married to Leena Al Ashqar since 2001 and is the father of four children.

'FIFA President Gianni Infantino categorically denies these allegations, which are entirely false'

When contacted by The Telegraph, UEFA acknowledged that a payment was indeed made during that period and that they were aware of the allegations that Gianni Infantino had an affair with this woman. The European governing body assures that it has since "strengthened" its rules so that they "correspond to those in force in a modern, leading organization."

On Friday evening, a FIFA spokesperson stated that there had never been any complaints from employees regarding Mr. Infantino's behavior. "FIFA President Gianni Infantino categorically denies these allegations, which are entirely false. Any insinuation of inappropriate behavior or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory," a spokesperson asserted.