Infantino Under Fire Amid UEFA Payment Revelations and World Cup Stake Controversy
FIFA President faces leadership review calls after UEFA confirms 'departure payment' to woman linked to Infantino, alongside backlash over private investment plans.
Sarah Connor
UEFA confirmed a "departure payment" was made to a woman with whom Gianni Infantino allegedly had a relationship during his tenure as UEFA general secretary.
The payment reportedly covered fees for an MBA course, with the woman allegedly receiving a six-figure sum from European football’s governing body after the relationship.
The woman had been promoted by Infantino during the alleged relationship, receiving a pay rise of 30 per cent and a salary of nearly £150,000.
A Fifa spokesman strongly denied these allegations, asserting they are "categorically untrue."
Categorically untrue.
Infantino also abandoned a controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors; this proposal reportedly included an initial offer of $20m (£15m) to all members.
UEFA held an emergency meeting and agreed to boycott Fifa competitions if the plan to sell World Cup stakes had proceeded.
Concacaf has called for a full review into Fifa's leadership, while England, Wales, and Serbia have demanded change at the top of the organization.
Despite mounting pressure, Conmebol, the Confederation of African Football (Caf), Mexico, and Argentina have publicly backed Infantino.
Fifa issued a 15-page message on Instagram, criticizing media coverage of the World Cup, stating that "speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact."
Fifa also asserted that its president was democratically elected by member associations and continues to serve with their mandate, claiming a concerted effort by some to undermine the organization and its president.
Fifa reportedly gave its 211 member associations a deadline of September 19 to back the controversial plan or face losing £15m.
Infantino, who succeeded Sepp Blatter as Fifa president in February 2016, recently attended the inauguration of Colombian president Abelardo de la Espriella.
Fifa stated it will not accept any challenge to Infantino's position before the election next March, despite claims he appears to have enough support to secure a fourth term.
"It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine Fifa and its President," Fifa stated, adding that disagreement with change cannot justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate.
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