Gianni Infantino certainly didn’t need that. While the president of Fifa is already weakened by the numerous criticisms surrounding his project to create a commercial structure open to private investors, a new affair has now darkened his image a little more. Finally abandoned in the face of protests, this project was intended to make it possible to develop new sources of income around the world body’s competitions.
But the series is far from over. In a particularly tense context for the boss of world football, The Telegraph reveals new information likely to cause controversy. These date back to the time when Gianni Infantino was general secretary of UEFA, then led by Michel Platini.
According to the British media, UEFA paid a six-figure sum to a former employee who allegedly had a relationship with Gianni Infantino. According to The Telegraphthis employee would also have benefited from a 30% salary increase during this period. After his departure from the European body, UEFA would also have taken charge of financing his MBA in a business school.
A former collaborator at the heart of the revelations
This professional development would have raised questions internally, with some worrying about a possible abuse of power on the part of Gianni Infantino. Informed of this alleged relationship, Michel Platini then confronted his general secretary by asking him, in essence, to choose between his position and this collaborator. Gianni Infantino would have finally announced the latter’s departure from UEFA.
Contacted by The TelegraphUEFA confirmed that a payment had indeed been made during this period. The European body also acknowledged having knowledge of the allegations concerning a possible affair between Gianni Infantino and this employee. She has since ensured that she “reinforced” its rules so that they “correspond to those in force in a modern and leading organization”.
For its part, Fifa strongly contests the accusations. In a statement sent to the British media on Friday evening, a spokesperson for the body ensures that no employee complaint has ever been filed concerning the behavior of Gianni Infantino.
“Fifa President Gianni Infantino categorically refutes these allegations, which are completely false. Any insinuation of inappropriate behavior or violation of the statutes or regulations is defamatory”he said.
