UEFA Under Fresh Scrutiny Over 2011 Exit Package for Former Infantino Aide
Published on 08/09/2026 at 04:34 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
European football's governing body has confirmed it funded a management degree and a six-figure severance deal for a staff member who worked under Gianni Infantino during his time as UEFA's general secretary. The payments, which date back more than a decade, are now the subject of an internal review.
The woman left her position at the end of 2011. Before her departure, her salary was raised by 30 percent to roughly 160,000 Swiss francs. On top of the payout, UEFA covered the cost of an MBA programme for her — around 45,000 British pounds, or approximately 52,500 euros, per year.
British media, including the Telegraph, have floated the possibility of a personal relationship between Infantino and the employee. No official confirmation of such a link has ever emerged.
UEFA maintains that the payments were consistent with the rules in force at the time. The organisation also points out that its internal policies have been considerably tightened since 2016. Still, in light of the recent reports, it has launched an internal investigation to assess the 2011 transactions once and for all.
FIFA, for its part, has dismissed the allegations against its president outright. A spokesperson for world football's governing body said no official complaints have been filed against Infantino. The FIFA chief himself has denied any personal involvement in shaping the severance arrangement.
The controversy arrives at a delicate moment for Infantino, who has signalled his intention to seek another term running through 2031. The revelations about his UEFA years are adding pressure on the compliance frameworks of both organisations.
Separately, FIFA has settled outstanding payments owed to the Jordan Football Association (JFA). The funds, related to the Arab Cup final from December 2025, were transferred shortly after JFA president Ali bin al-Hussein went public with allegations of extortion. He has since said the payment does not resolve his broader concerns about how the governing body is run.
The twin developments leave Infantino facing questions on two fronts — one about his past conduct at UEFA, the other about FIFA's current dealings with member associations.
