FIFA issues furious response on bid to ‘undermine’ Gianni Infantino after UEFA admission

FIFA has launched a fierce defence of Gianni Infantino after UEFA confirmed a six-figure “departure payment” was made to a female employee who alleged she had been in a relationship with the FIFA president during his time as UEFA general secretary. The admission, disclosed on Saturday, 15 June 2024, has intensified scrutiny over Infantino’s conduct and triggered a sharp response from FIFA, which accused unnamed critics of mounting a coordinated campaign to undermine both the organisation and its president.

What UEFA admitted — and what it means

UEFA confirmed it made a financial settlement to a former employee, alongside covering the cost of an MBA course, describing the payment as “in line” with internal regulations at the time. While UEFA did not name the individual or specify the exact amount, reports indicate the settlement reached six figures. The employee’s tenure overlapped with Infantino’s 16-year stint at UEFA, including his role as general secretary from 2009 to 2016 — the period during which the alleged relationship reportedly occurred.

The admission follows persistent reporting about the circumstances surrounding the woman’s departure from UEFA. Infantino has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and UEFA’s statement did not link the payment directly to the allegations. Instead, it framed the payment as part of standard procedures, though it did not disclose whether the settlement was voluntary or the result of legal pressure.

FIFA’s counterattack: “undermine”, “democratic mandate”, and a 30-year career

In a lengthy statement released in response, FIFA accused unnamed actors of pursuing a “concerted and ongoing effort” to weaken Infantino’s authority and force him from office without following FIFA’s established re-election process. The governing body rejected what it called “unsubstantiated assertions” and “demonstrably false claims”, warning that speculation should not be presented as fact.

The statement highlighted Infantino’s three-decade career in football administration, emphasising his role in expanding access, resources, and opportunities across global football. It argued that opposition to his reforms cannot justify attempts to destabilise FIFA’s democratic structures. FIFA also reiterated its openness to legitimate scrutiny but drew a clear line against what it described as distortion of facts and misinformation.

Why this moment matters — and what happens next

This is the first time UEFA has publicly acknowledged a financial settlement linked to the allegations, making the admission significant even if it stops short of full transparency. The timing is particularly sensitive: Infantino’s leadership has already faced intense criticism over his failed attempt to sell World Cup broadcasting rights to private investors, a proposal that was blocked by FIFA’s member associations in April 2024.

With Infantino’s current term set to expire in 2027, the controversy risks overshadowing his agenda to reform FIFA’s governance and commercial practices. Critics argue that the payment raises serious questions about accountability and workplace culture within UEFA during Infantino’s leadership. Supporters, however, point to his track record of expanding global football’s reach and resources as justification for his continued tenure.

As the story develops, the key question is whether UEFA’s admission will lead to further scrutiny from FIFA’s ethics committee or external regulators. For now, Infantino remains defiant, using FIFA’s statement to frame the backlash as an illegitimate power grab rather than a legitimate demand for accountability.

What is clear is that the episode has exposed deep tensions within football’s governance structures. Whether these tensions lead to structural change or further entrenchment of the status quo will depend on how FIFA’s member associations respond in the coming months. One thing is certain: the fallout from this admission will not fade quickly.