Gianni Infantino faces new questions over alleged UEFA payment linked to former relationship

Gianni Infantino is facing renewed pressure after an investigation reported that a woman who allegedly had a romantic relationship with him received tens of thousands of pounds from UEFA after agreeing to leave, during the period when he was the organisation’s general secretary.

The payment was reported by the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph in an investigation published on Friday. The report concerns Infantino’s conduct during his time at UEFA and is likely to prompt further scrutiny of his position as president of FIFA.

Infantino was already under growing pressure to resign after the failure of his controversial plan to sell part of the rights to the World Cup. The latest allegations could increase calls for a closer examination of events from his time at European football’s governing body.

The Daily Telegraph said the simplest solution would be for Infantino to resign. If that does not happen, the clearest opportunity to challenge his leadership would come at the next FIFA presidential election, scheduled for March 2027.

Infantino could lose that vote, or decide not to stand, if enough national associations withdrew their support and a credible rival emerged, according to the newspaper.

FIFA’s regulations theoretically provide procedures for dealing with any ethical breach. However, in a statement issued this week, the world governing body acknowledged mistakes while insisting that “everything that was done was fully in accordance with FIFA’s regulatory framework”.

That statement is likely to come under further examination as questions continue over Infantino’s conduct while he was serving as UEFA general secretary.

Beyond the formal processes available within FIFA, political pressure on the Swiss administrator could also become significant. Such pressure could come from world leaders as well as from FIFA’s member associations.

Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, has joined Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and others in saying they have lost confidence in Infantino.

The latest report adds to the challenges facing Infantino as he attempts to retain authority over FIFA. The allegations relate to an earlier period of his career, but their publication comes at a time when his leadership is already being questioned because of the failed World Cup rights proposal.

No conclusion about wrongdoing has been established by the report. However, the alleged payment and the circumstances surrounding the woman’s departure from UEFA are expected to increase demands for transparency and could lead to renewed attention from football officials and political leaders.

The next major formal test of Infantino’s standing would be the FIFA election in March 2027. Before then, the level of support he retains among national associations, and whether a credible challenger emerges, will be central to determining his future at the organisation.