Gianni Infantino is facing renewed pressure after an investigation claimed that a woman who allegedly had a romantic relationship with the FIFA president received tens of thousands of pounds from UEFA after agreeing to leave the organisation.
The allegation relates to Infantino’s time as UEFA general secretary. It was reported by the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph on Friday and adds to the questions already surrounding his leadership of world football’s governing body.
The report claims that the woman was paid by UEFA after agreeing to depart, in connection with the alleged relationship with Infantino. The newspaper’s investigation is expected to prompt further examination of Infantino’s conduct during his time at European football’s governing body.
The development comes as Infantino is already under growing pressure to resign following the failure of his controversial plan to sell part of the rights to the World Cup.
That proposal had become a significant source of tension around the FIFA president. The latest claims are likely to intensify scrutiny of his position, particularly as attention turns to the formal and political challenges that could confront him in the coming months.
The Daily Telegraph suggested that the most straightforward way for Infantino to bring the matter to an end would be to resign. If that does not happen, the clearest opportunity for change would come at the next FIFA election in March 2027.
Infantino could lose that election, or decide not to stand, if enough national associations withdrew their support and a credible challenger emerged, according to the report.
FIFA’s regulations theoretically include procedures for dealing with possible ethical breaches. However, in a statement issued this week, the organisation acknowledged mistakes while insisting that “everything that was done was fully in accordance with the FIFA regulatory framework”.
That position may now face additional examination in light of the allegations concerning Infantino’s period at UEFA. The reported payment and the circumstances surrounding the woman’s departure are central to the latest scrutiny, although the source article does not provide further details about the amount or the arrangement.
Pressure could also come from outside FIFA’s formal disciplinary and electoral processes. The report said political pressure on the Swiss official, from world leaders or member associations, could eventually become intolerable.
Mark Carney, the prime minister of Canada, has joined Andy Burnham, the prime minister of Britain, and others who have said they have lost confidence in Infantino.
Their opposition adds a political dimension to the growing concerns about the FIFA president’s future. While FIFA has maintained that its actions fell within its regulations, the combination of the alleged UEFA payment, criticism of Infantino’s World Cup rights plan and the loss of support among political figures could lead to further calls for him to leave office.
The next FIFA election in March 2027 remains the formal route through which his position could be tested if he remains in post and chooses to stand.
