UEFA Confirms Payment Details
UEFA has publicly acknowledged that a departure payment and tuition fees for an MBA program were provided to an individual during Gianni Infantino's tenure as the organization's general secretary. The confirmation follows reports alleging that the payment was made to an individual with whom the current FIFA president was in a personal relationship.
Context of the Allegations
The allegations center on a six-figure sum paid by UEFA to the individual after their departure from the organization. While UEFA has confirmed the financial transaction, the governing body maintains that the payment was consistent with staff regulations in place at the time. UEFA noted that these internal policies have since been tightened, with current regulations now reflecting those of modern, high-profile organizations.
FIFA and Infantino’s Response
Gianni Infantino, who served at UEFA from 2000 until his transition to the FIFA presidency in 2016, has categorically denied the allegations. A spokesperson for FIFA stated that the claims are untrue and described any suggestion of inappropriate conduct or regulatory violations as defamatory. The statement further emphasized that no internal complaints regarding Infantino’s behavior were ever filed during his time at either organization.
Regulatory Evolution
UEFA stated that the specific regulations governing severance and departure packages for staff were updated in 2016. The organization maintains that all actions taken regarding employee departures were approved by the appropriate directors in accordance with the rules applicable at the time of the events.