UEFA confirms departure payment to former employee linked to FIFA President Infantino
UEFA has confirmed making a "departure payment" and covering MBA course fees for a former female employee. This confirmation follows a report alleging a relationship between the employee and FIFA President Gianni Infantino during his tenure as UEFA's general secretary. A UEFA spokesperson stated that the payment adhered to the regulations for departing staff at the time, noting that these regulations have since been tightened. Infantino served as UEFA's general secretary from 2009 to 2016 before becoming FIFA president. This disclosure comes amidst criticism of Infantino's proposal for private investment in a company to operate FIFA competitions. While Infantino has received support from FIFA's management board, UEFA has maintained its threat of a boycott of FIFA competitions by its 55 member associations. Infantino is expected to seek re-election as FIFA president next year, with several national football associations, including those of Finland, England, Wales, Serbia, Germany, and Sweden, reportedly withdrawing their support. Conversely, countries like Qatar, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Morocco have publicly backed Infantino.
