Now Reading: UEFA paid six-figure sum to Infantino’s alleged former lover
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UEFA paid six-figure sum to Infantino’s alleged former lover
UEFA has confirmed making a six-figure departure payment and MBA tuition fees to a woman who, according to a Daily Telegraph report, had a relationship with Gianni Infantino while he was UEFA…
The Story in Brief
UEFA has confirmed making a six-figure departure payment and MBA tuition fees to a woman who, according to a Daily Telegraph report, had a relationship with Gianni Infantino while he was UEFA general secretary. The payment was made when she left the organisation after Infantino was reportedly challenged about the affair by then-president Michel Platini. UEFA said the money followed regulations at the time, which have since been tightened.
Infantino, who now leads FIFA, denies the allegations through a spokesman as 'categorically untrue' and defamatory. The fresh scandal comes as Infantino faces separate calls to resign over his now-abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. FIFA has backed him, but European associations remain opposed.
The Indian Opinion
Two lazy narratives are swirling: that this is a smear by UEFA to oust Infantino over the World Cup investment row, or that the mere fact of a payment proves an affair. Neither is fair. UEFA itself says the payment complied with its rules at the time, and Infantino has denied the relationship outright. Without a formal complaint or independent investigation, it is guesswork. What matters now is whether FIFA's ethics committee or Swiss authorities will examine the original departure deal and the reported 30% pay rise.
Sources (4): timesnownews.com, hindustantimes.com, sports.ndtv.com, livemint.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 4 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 4 sources.
