FIFA president Gianni Infantino has strongly denied allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a former UEFA employee and that the organisation later funded a six-figure departure package for her.

The allegations, first reported by The Telegraph, relate to Infantino’s time as UEFA general secretary between 2009 and 2016. UEFA has confirmed that a departure payment and MBA fees were paid to the unnamed former employee, but said the arrangements complied with the regulations in place at the time.

Gianni Infantino denies allegations of inappropriate conduct

A FIFA spokesperson rejected the allegations, describing them as false and defamatory.

“FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue.”

The statement added that any suggestion of inappropriate conduct or a breach of regulations was defamatory.

FIFA also said that no employee at either FIFA or UEFA had ever filed a complaint concerning Infantino’s behaviour.

The allegations centre on claims that the employee, who was initially in a junior administrative position, received a promotion to a managerial role and a substantial salary increase during Infantino’s tenure at UEFA.

UEFA confirms payout but says rules have since changed

While denying the broader allegations, UEFA has confirmed that the former employee received a departure payment and that the organisation paid fees for an MBA course at a local business school.

UEFA said the payment was consistent with the regulations governing departing staff at the time.

The organisation added that its regulations have since been strengthened, with current rules reflecting the standards expected of a modern international sporting body.

According to The Telegraph’s report, the MBA fees were worth approximately £45,000 a year and the overall departure package was worth six figures.

The report also alleged that the payments were made after Infantino’s relationship with the employee had allegedly come to the attention of then-UEFA president Michel Platini. Infantino has denied the allegations.

Fresh controversy comes amid FIFA-UEFA power struggle

The claims arrive at an already difficult moment for Infantino, whose leadership is facing mounting scrutiny following the recent dispute between FIFA and UEFA.

FIFA recently withdrew a controversial proposal involving the sale of partial commercial and operational rights connected to the World Cup after the plans triggered widespread concerns over transparency and governance.

UEFA has subsequently threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including future men’s and women’s World Cups, and has publicly said its confidence in Infantino’s leadership has been damaged.

FIFA, meanwhile, has accused unnamed parties of attempting to undermine the organisation and its president through allegations and misinformation.

The governing body said it welcomed legitimate scrutiny but would challenge reporting it considered inaccurate or misleading.

The latest allegations therefore add another layer to an increasingly public battle over Infantino’s leadership, with UEFA still demanding assurances over FIFA’s governance and decision-making.

Infantino’s future could also become a wider issue ahead of FIFA’s presidential election, scheduled for early next year.