Gianni Infantino has denied allegations that UEFA paid off an alleged lover while he served as the organization's general secretary. The Daily Telegraph reported that the woman received a six-figure sum following a relationship with Infantino, who currently serves as the FIFA president.

UEFA confirmed a departure payment was made, along with fees for an MBA course, stating the action was "in line" with regulations at the time. A FIFA spokesman stated that Infantino strongly denies the allegations and that they are "categorically untrue."

These claims emerge as Infantino faces mounting pressure over a controversial plan to seek private investment for a company to run FIFA's competitions, including the World Cups. The plan was rejected by UEFA and two other continental confederations. Despite a recent apology from Infantino, UEFA's threat for its 55 member countries to boycott FIFA competitions remains in place. Infantino worked at UEFA for 16 years and held the role of general secretary from 2009 before being elected FIFA president in February 2016.