UEFA confirms departure payment linked to Infantino allegations
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 1:03 AM
Last updated Aug 9, 2026
UEFA has acknowledged making a departure payment to an individual allegedly involved in an affair with FIFA President Gianni Infantino while he was UEFA's general secretary. This revelation follows a report by The Telegraph, which details the relationship and subsequent promotion of the woman involved, alongside the coverage of her MBA expenses. UEFA stated that the payment was consistent with regulations in place at the time but has since tightened those regulations. Infantino has denied the allegations through a FIFA spokesperson, calling them categorically untrue and defamatory. Relations between UEFA and FIFA have been strained recently, with UEFA threatening a boycott of FIFA competitions over proposed changes to the World Cup structure.
- •UEFA confirmed a departure payment to an individual connected to Infantino.
- •Infantino was UEFA's general secretary from 2009 to 2016.
- •The Telegraph alleges the payment involved an affair and promotion.
- •Infantino's spokesperson denies all allegations as defamatory.
- •UEFA's strained relationship with FIFA includes a potential boycott of competitions.
- 1:03 AMUSA Today — UEFA confirms 'departure payment' in report on alleged Infantino relationship - USA Today
- 5:46 PMCNN — UEFA confirms payout to ex-employee under Infantino, amid denials of an affair - CNN
- 3:40 PMYahoo Sports — UEFA confirms 'departure payment' in report on alleged Infantino relationship
"FIFA chief Gianni Infantino is denying a report that inappropriate conduct was behind a six-figure “departure payment” made to a woman during his years as general secretary at the Union of European Football Associations.
"The current FIFA president worked for the European governing body where he reportedly had an affair with a partner who was promoted, then paid upon departure.
"The current FIFA president worked for the European governing body where he reportedly had an affair with a partner who was promoted, then paid upon departure.
Sources
External links- USA TodayAug 9, 2026, 1:03 AMUEFA confirms 'departure payment' in report on alleged Infantino relationship - USA Today
The current FIFA president worked for the European governing body where he reportedly had an affair with a partner who was promoted, then paid upon departure.
- CNNAug 8, 2026, 5:46 PMUEFA confirms payout to ex-employee under Infantino, amid denials of an affair - CNN
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino is denying a report that inappropriate conduct was behind a six-figure “departure payment” made to a woman during his years as general secretary at the Union of European Football Associations.
- Yahoo SportsAug 8, 2026, 3:40 PMUEFA confirms 'departure payment' in report on alleged Infantino relationship
The current FIFA president worked for the European governing body where he reportedly had an affair with a partner who was promoted, then paid upon departure.
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