Infantino used UEFA funds to pay for his lover, says newspaper

All because, according to an investigation by The Telegraph, when the Italian-Swiss was general secretary of UEFA, he had paid a six-figure sum — that is, more than 100,000 euros — to an alleged former lover of Infantino so that she could study at a business school, after having already left the organization.

But the scandal doesn't end there. Gianni Infantino allegedly granted the woman several promotions within UEFA while he was in a relationship with her. UEFA has already spoken out in a statement, claiming that the payment had in fact been made and that it was aware of the allegations that Infantino had a relationship with the woman. Therefore, the entity would have reinforced the rules on this type of situation, in order to “reflect a more modern and high-level organization”.

The new revelation should further increase the pressure on the current FIFA president, who is trying to meet the necessary conditions to remain in charge of the entity that manages world football.

The same publication claims that Infantino, who is married and has four children, actually maintained a relationship with this woman. According to information obtained from former colleagues and former members of the UEFA board at the time, it was Infantino himself who ensured that his alleged lover left the organization with a large payment of at least six figures.

Gianni Infantino has already reacted and talks about “defamation”Despite the investigation, the FIFA president vehemently denied any accusation or allegation related to the case, both about a possible relationship and about a payment made by UEFA.

"FIFA President Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, which are categorically false. Any suggestion of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations constitutes defamation," said a spokesperson for the FIFA President.

"No UEFA or FIFA employee has made any complaints about Mr. Infantino's behavior, as there has never been any incident involving him. All of the organization's employee-related measures, including any dismissals and severance payments, have always been approved by the competent directors, in compliance with all applicable regulations," he added.

Even so, The Telegraph states that the alleged relationship would have been maintained with Infantino's then secretary, who ended up promoted to senior positions while the two maintained the relationship. The publication also reports that she was questioned by the then president of UEFA, Michel Platini, who reportedly reached an agreement to dismiss the employee for a payment.

The agreement also included a course at a business school that charges around £45,000 per year — approximately €52,500. According to the publication, the money could have been used to improve conditions in world football. Furthermore, Gianni Infantino would have used his influence to place his alleged lover in a similar position in an organization with activities similar to UEFA.