FIFA has strongly denied allegations regarding its president, Gianni Infantino, following reports concerning a payment made by UEFA to a former female employee. These claims emerge as Infantino faces increasing pressure over his proposals for private investment in FIFA competitions.
Reports from a British newspaper on Friday alleged that a female employee received a six-figure sum from UEFA. This payment was reportedly made after an alleged relationship with Infantino during his tenure as UEFA’s general secretary. FIFA has dismissed these allegations as “categorically untrue.”
Allegations and denials
A FIFA spokesperson stated that Infantino “strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue.” The spokesperson added that “any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory.” FIFA also asserted that no employee at UEFA or FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Infantino’s behaviour, indicating that no such incident occurred.
UEFA confirmed that a “departure payment” was indeed made to the individual in question. This payment also covered the fees for an MBA course at a local business school. UEFA clarified that this payment was “in line” with the regulations for departing staff that were in place at the time.
However, UEFA also noted that “such regulations have been tightened since 2016.” The current staff regulations, which apply to all UEFA employees, are now reflective of those found in modern, high-profile organisations. Infantino served as UEFA’s general secretary from 2009 until his election as FIFA president in February 2016.
Pressure on Infantino
The reports surface amidst a period of significant pressure on Infantino, primarily stemming from his controversial plan to seek private investment. This plan involved creating a company to run FIFA’s competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. The proposal was met with rejection from UEFA and two other continental confederations.
Despite the controversy, FIFA’s management board backed Infantino following a meeting in Morocco. Infantino also issued an apology regarding the process of his plan. However, UEFA’s threat for its 55 member countries to boycott FIFA competitions until the plan was scrapped remains. The European confederation reiterated on Thursday that Wednesday’s announcement “changes nothing” regarding their stance.
FIFA issued a statement on Saturday, condemning what it described as efforts to undermine the organisation and its president. The statement highlighted that it is “increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President.” FIFA suggested that those without the support of its member associations should not attempt to achieve their goals through “allegation, insinuation or misinformation.”
The organisation welcomed legitimate scrutiny but cautioned against distorting facts or amplifying unsubstantiated allegations. FIFA affirmed its commitment to directly and vigorously challenge any inaccurate or misleading reporting.
Divisions and support
The controversy has exposed divisions within the global football community. UEFA, which includes some of the world’s most influential football nations, has publicly expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership and continues to threaten a boycott of future World Cups. This threat was reiterated even after the plans for selling commercial rights were abandoned, with UEFA seeking assurances that similar situations will not recur.
A boycott by UEFA member nations would significantly impact the World Cup, as six of the current top 10 teams in both men’s and women’s football would not participate. FIFPRO, the players’ union, has also stated that its confidence in FIFA’s leadership has been “fundamentally broken.”
Conversely, CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation, which initially opposed the plans, has indicated it will not support an extraordinary congress to vote on Infantino’s future. Instead, CONMEBOL will adhere to the existing timeline for the presidential election, scheduled for early next year. The Confederation of African Football has also expressed its support for Infantino.
Source: theguardian.com
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
