New serious turbulence is being caused around the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, by the revelations of the Telegraph regarding a case that concerns the period during which he held the position of general secretary of UEFA. According to the report, the European federation paid a six-figure departure compensation to a former employee of theirs, who is alleged to have had a personal relationship with Infantino, while he was serving as a top administrative executive of UEFA.

The case concerns the period before Infantino’s elevation to the presidency of FIFA, in February 2016. The Telegraph maintains that the specific employee received a significant financial package upon her departure, while UEFA is alleged to have also covered the cost of her attendance at an MBA programme at a university school.

UEFA confirmed that a departure compensation was made and that it was aware of the accusations regarding a personal relationship of the employee with Infantino. At the same time, it stressed that the procedure was in accordance with the regulations that applied at that time, while it underlined that since 2016 the internal procedures have been tightened.

FIFA rejects the accusations

FIFA categorically rejected the information that was made public. A spokesperson of the world federation stated that Gianni Infantino “categorically denies the accusations” and that any reference to improper behaviour or violation of regulations is “defamatory”.

FIFA also stated that there has never been an official employee complaint about the behaviour of its president and that all decisions concerning staff departures and financial settlements were approved by the competent administrative bodies.

The claims of promotion and increased earnings

According to the Telegraph report, the woman, who is not named, initially worked in an administrative position and subsequently is alleged to have been promoted to a higher managerial position with significantly increased remuneration. The British newspaper reports that her professional advancement raised questions inside UEFA, as sources it cites maintain that the promotion occurred during the period of the alleged relationship.

According to the same information, her annual earnings reached approximately 160,000 Swiss francs, after an increase of about 30%. The report further maintains that after her departure from UEFA, Infantino is alleged to have contributed to securing a new professional position for her.

The reference to Michel Platini

According to sources cited by the Telegraph, the issue had reached the then president of UEFA, Michel Platini. The same sources report that Platini had asked for explanations from Infantino and that ultimately the departure of the employee with a financial settlement was agreed. Michel Platini did not comment on the information when he was asked to take a position on the case.