UEFA confirms payout to ex-employee under Infantino, amid denials of an affair

UEFA has confirmed a six-figure “departure payment” made to a woman during Gianni Infantino’s time as UEFA general secretary, while insisting the payout complied with rules at the time. The announcement follows a report by the British newspaper The Telegraph alleging the payment was tied to an affair with Infantino. FIFA chief Infantino denies the allegations “categorically,” with a FIFA spokesperson telling The Telegraph that any suggestion of inappropriate conduct would be defamatory. UEFA said departure staff regulations were later “tightened” after 2016 and that its current rules apply to all employees. The dispute adds to tensions as UEFA threatens to boycott FIFA’s World Cup competitions.