Gianni Infantino faces renewed scrutiny over alleged UEFA-era payment

Saturday 08 August 2026 - 10:30

By: Sahili Aya

Gianni Infantino faces renewed scrutiny over alleged UEFA-era payment

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing renewed scrutiny following allegations concerning his time as secretary general of UEFA, with The Telegraph reporting that he allegedly made a substantial payment to a former female colleague described as having been his mistress.

The claims emerge as Infantino faces wider criticism over the governance of world football and controversy surrounding plans that were ultimately abandoned to create a commercial company involving private investors.

The latest allegations concern a period before Infantino became FIFA president and relate to his tenure at UEFA.

Allegations date back to Infantino's UEFA career

According to The Telegraph, Infantino allegedly paid a significant sum to a woman who had worked with him at UEFA and was described by the newspaper as a former mistress.

The report has brought renewed attention to Infantino's conduct during his years at European football's governing body.

The allegations have not been presented as an established finding of wrongdoing, and the circumstances surrounding the reported payment remain central to understanding the claims.

Infantino subsequently rose through football's administrative hierarchy before becoming president of FIFA, placing any questions about his earlier career under renewed public scrutiny.

FIFA president under pressure

The latest report comes at a difficult moment for Infantino.

The FIFA president has recently faced criticism linked to his plans to introduce private investment into a commercial structure that could have been involved in organizing the World Cup. That proposal was eventually abandoned after generating controversy.

At the same time, Infantino received support in Colombia on Friday from several figures in South American football as tensions continued within FIFA.

The contrast between that backing and the criticism emerging elsewhere highlights the increasingly polarized environment surrounding his leadership.

Questions over football governance

The allegations reported by The Telegraph add another layer to the scrutiny surrounding Infantino's management of international football.

As FIFA president, he occupies one of the most influential positions in global sport. Controversies involving his previous professional activities can therefore attract significant attention, particularly when they intersect with questions about transparency and governance.

For now, the claims concerning the alleged payment remain allegations reported by the British newspaper rather than established facts.

The renewed focus nevertheless comes as Infantino confronts broader challenges to his leadership and to his vision for the future commercial structure of international football.