New investigation details Infantino's alleged role in UEFA employee's promotion

An investigation has revealed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino allegedly helped a mistress secure a promotion and a substantial pay rise during his time as UEFA secretary-general. The relationship caused such considerable workplace unrest that then UEFA president Michel Platini reportedly intervened with an ultimatum. The allegations now pile fresh pressure on Infantino, who already faces mounting calls to resign over his controversial World Cup privatisation plan.

The Promotion and Pay Rise

Infantino served as secretary-general of European football's governing body between 2009 and 2016, before being elected FIFA president on 26 February 2016. According to reports, he began a relationship with a female UEFA employee during his time at the organisation. The woman, who initially held an administrative role, was subsequently promoted to a management position. The move surprised several colleagues within UEFA. Her promotion brought a significant financial boost, with her salary rising by around 30 per cent to 160,000 Swiss francs per year, the equivalent of more than 170,000 pounds sterling.

Michel Platini's Intervention

The workplace relationship caused considerable unrest within UEFA, prompting then UEFA president Michel Platini to take action. According to reports, Platini is said to have given Infantino a clear choice: "Either you go or she goes." Infantino chose to remain at UEFA, and the woman was required to leave the organisation.

Departure Settlement and Course Fees

Following her departure, the woman received a six-figure severance payment according to reporting. She was additionally allowed to take a course at a UEFA institute at UEFA's expense, with the annual cost around 45,000 Swiss francs, approximately 52,000 pounds. Reports indicate that Infantino used his network to secure her a new and lucrative role at a comparable organisation. A UEFA spokesperson confirmed that a severance payment was made and stated that internal rules have since been amended to prevent a similar situation occurring in future.

FIFA's Response and Current Pressure

FIFA has dismissed the allegations as "categorically untrue." In a statement, the international federation acknowledged that a payment was made along with course fees coverage, which it said was in line with regulations at the time. However, despite acknowledging mistakes, FIFA insisted that everything was done in full compliance with FIFA's regulatory framework. The timing of the investigation presents additional difficulties for Infantino, who already faces considerable pressure over his rejected plan to place part of the World Cup rights in a new company in which private investors could take a stake. Canada's prime minister Mark Carney has joined others, including Andy Burnham, in declaring that they have lost confidence in Infantino. Analysts suggest his options are limited: resignation remains possible, though if he rules that out, the most obvious mechanism for change becomes the FIFA elections scheduled for March 2027, at which point associations could withdraw their support if a credible alternative candidate emerges.