UEFA paid Gianni Infantino's alleged girlfriend while he was its general secretary, writes The Telegraph.
The woman received a six-figure sum after an alleged affair with Infantino, when he was a senior official at the European football confederation. According to The Telegraph, the woman was allegedly promoted by Infantino during their relationship.
After she left, UEFA also paid for her to complete a Masters at a business school.
This accusation has caused a stir, while further increasing the pressure on current FIFA president, Gianni Infantino.
In a statement released on Friday night, UEFA acknowledged that a payment had been made and that it was aware of allegations that the woman was in a relationship with Infantino. UEFA said it had since "strengthened" its regulations.
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UEFA's admission came after an investigation by The Telegraph revealed deep concerns among senior UEFA officials about Infantino's conduct. He joined UEFA in 2000 and spent 16 years with the organisation. He took over as FIFA president in February 2016.
The FIFA president is married and has four children. But he is suspected of having an affair with a young employee while serving as UEFA secretary general. The well-known media outlet wrote that Infantino made sure that the woman left UEFA with a bonus of at least six figures.
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has denied the allegations. According to FIFA, there have never been any complaints from employees about Infantino's conduct.
"FIFA President Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations and they are completely untrue. Any suggestion of inappropriate behavior or violation of the statutes or regulations is defamatory," a FIFA spokesperson said.
"No employee at UEFA or FIFA has ever made a complaint regarding Infantino's conduct, because there has never been an incident involving him. All actions regarding employees, including any severance and termination packages, have always been approved by the relevant directors in accordance with all applicable regulations."
The alleged use of UEFA funds occurred when Infantino was its general secretary. The woman rose to a senior position while the affair was ongoing. Infantino was challenged about the alleged affair by Michel Platini, then UEFA president, sources told the British outlet. The woman later left, but with a reward.
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UEFA also paid for the woman to attend a Masters course at a business school as part of the deal. UEFA paid around 52 euros a year for her education. She initially worked in an administrative position but was promoted to a more lucrative managerial role.
When she left, Infantino allegedly used his connections to secure a lucrative new position for the woman, in a similar field.
"He also secured her payment, diverting UEFA funds that could have been spent on youth football," The Telegraph writes.
UEFA has indirectly confirmed the serious accusation.
"We are aware of the allegations and can confirm that a severance payment was made to the individual in question, along with payment of fees for a Masters course at a local business school. The payment was in accordance with the regulations in place for departing staff at the time. The regulations have been tightened since 2016," UEFA said.
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