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European football governing body UEFA paid a six-figure severance package to a former female employee following a confidential workplace relationship with Gianni Infantino during his tenure as secretary general, according to investigative reporting published by The Telegraph.
UEFA Severance Payment Details and Investigation
According to The Telegraph, the female employee received the £150,000 package when she abruptly left her position at the end of 2011. The financial settlement included funding for tuition fees to cover a master’s degree at a prestigious business-focused higher education institution. Sources cited by the British newspaper indicate that the payout followed a salary increase of approximately £25,000 awarded to the employee after she received a promotion from an administrative role to a managerial position during the timeline of the alleged relationship, which spanned from 2009 to 2016 while Infantino served as UEFA general secretary.
Following the publication of the report, UEFA confirmed that the payment to the former employee did indeed take place. The organization stated that it has since strengthened its internal regulations to align them with modern governance standards. However, UEFA did not publicly disclose which official authorized the 2011 payout.
Internal Discussions Involving Michel Platini
According to reports from sources familiar with the matter, the situation drew the attention of then-UEFA president Michel Platini. Platini reportedly met directly with Gianni Infantino to address the affair. Following that discussion, an agreement was reached for the employee to leave the organization with the substantial severance package. Upon completing her graduate studies, the unnamed woman secured a position at another major international sports institution.
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FIFA Response and Denial
Gianni Infantino, who is married and has four children, has consistently denied any improper relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was the severance payout made by UEFA?
According to The Telegraph, the payout totaled £150,000, which converts to more than €175,000.
What additional benefits were included in the settlement?
The package included funding for the former employee’s tuition fees to pursue a master’s degree at a business-focused higher education institution.
What has FIFA’s official response been to the reports?
A FIFA spokesperson denied the allegations of an improper relationship, stating that operations under Infantino’s leadership have always been conducted correctly.
Did UEFA confirm the financial payment?
Yes, European football’s governing body confirmed that the payment to the former employee occurred and noted that it subsequently updated its internal compliance regulations.