← Back to NewsInfantino Denies Claims of UEFA Payoff Amid Controversy
7 August 2026
In a statement that has stirred significant media attention, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has categorically denied allegations that UEFA made a severance payment to a woman purportedly involved in an affair with him during his tenure as general secretary. The claims originated from a recent investigation by the Daily Telegraph, which suggested that UEFA compensated this individual as part of a confidential agreement. Infantino's rebuttal comes amid ongoing scrutiny of his leadership and the governance within football's governing bodies. He emphasized the integrity of UEFA's operations and described the allegations as unfounded and damaging. This controversy arrives at a time when football is already grappling with numerous challenges, heightening the pressure on Infantino as he navigates both FIFA and UEFA's interests on the global stage.