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The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is set to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the tenure of former president Gianni Infantino, amidst claims that he paid a six-figure sum to a woman with whom he had an alleged relationship. The inquiry, which may potentially span 16 years, will delve into Infantino’s conduct from 2000 to his departure for FIFA in 2016.
According to a report by The Telegraph, a woman who was promoted to a managerial position while in a relationship with Infantino received a substantial departure payment. Sources claim that she was subsequently promoted from a junior position to a more senior role, accompanied by a 30% increase in pay. This move reportedly sparked concerns within the organization.
In response, former UEFA president Michel Platini was said to have issued an ‘ultimatum’ stating, ‘she or you,’ following which the woman departed the organization. UEFA’s support of her further education, reportedly financing an MBA program costing £45,000 per year, has also raised eyebrows.
A source with knowledge of the situation revealed that senior UEFA figures now wish to unravel the circumstances surrounding these payments and determine whether the alleged relationship influenced staffing decisions. The inquiry’s scope is expected to be far-reaching, examining not only the payment in question but also Infantino’s conduct during his tenure.
UEFA officials are keen to establish the truth behind these allegations, in order to restore public confidence in the organization. The forthcoming investigation will scrutinize Infantino’s actions, shedding light on any potential wrongdoing that may have taken place.
This development marks another challenging chapter in the already contentious tenure of UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and his efforts to reform the organization’s internal culture. With UEFA’s integrity firmly in the spotlight, the investigation is expected to yield substantial findings, shedding new light on the world of international football governance.
Those close to the situation maintain that it will take time for the UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee to complete their inquiry. Nonetheless, it is clear that Infantino’s legacy will continue to cast a long shadow over the organization and its leadership.