FIFA president Gianni Infantino faced early conduct complaints, Telegraph reports

FIFA president Gianni Infantino allegedly ignored a series of protocols at the beginning of his tenure, according to a report published by The Telegraph on Monday afternoon.

The allegations were made by senior officials in June 2016, only a few months after Infantino was elected president of football’s world governing body in February that year. They concerned his conduct and marked the first major criticism of the Swiss during what has now become a decade-long period in charge.

The Telegraph reports that Infantino disregarded multiple FIFA rules during the early stages of his presidency. Among the claims is that he travelled on private jets belonging to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

The report also alleges that Infantino travelled to a meeting with the Pope at FIFA’s expense and was accompanied by his mother.

A further allegation concerns Infantino’s remuneration. He is said to have rejected a salary of more than two million euros because he considered the amount insufficient. The FIFA president is also accused of appointing his own staff and awarding them exceptionally high salaries.

According to The Telegraph, FIFA had the power to impose sanctions over the alleged conduct but chose not to do so. Infantino was ultimately cleared of all charges.

The reported findings relate to the first year of his presidency, when the newly elected FIFA leader was already facing scrutiny from senior figures within the organisation. Infantino had succeeded Sepp Blatter after being elected in February 2016, beginning a period that has continued for about 10 years.

The allegations do not, however, mark the end of criticism directed at the FIFA president. Despite being cleared of the charges described in the report, Infantino continues to face frequent scrutiny over his leadership of the organisation.

The claims reported by The Telegraph concern alleged breaches of protocol, travel arrangements, expenditure and staffing decisions. They form part of a secret FIFA report referenced by the newspaper, although the source article does not provide further details about how the findings were compiled or when the document was produced.

Infantino remains president of FIFA, while the allegations described by The Telegraph relate specifically to the opening months of his time in office.