{"id":35120,"date":"2026-08-09T20:40:45","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T15:40:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=35120"},"modified":"2026-08-09T20:40:45","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T15:40:45","slug":"fifa-defends-gianni-infantino-after-allegations-of-mistress-paid-off-by-uefa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=35120","title":{"rendered":"FIFA defends Gianni Infantino after allegations of mistress paid off by UEFA"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<p>FIFA didn\u2019t mince words in its latest statement defending Gianni Infantino, doubling down on its president and blasting \u201ca concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine\u201d his leadership one day after The Telegraph reported that Infantino \u2014 while secretary general at UEFA \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/08\/07\/sports\/fifa-boss-gianni-infantino-linked-to-alleged-paid-off-mistress\/\">allegedly had a relationship with an employee<\/a> that led to her receiving a six-figure payment from the organization.<\/p>\n<p>After defending Infantino in its initial statement to The Telegraph, calling the allegations \u201ccategorically untrue\u201d and \u201cdefamatory,\u201d FIFA echoed a similar sentiment in its statement Saturday, describing what has been reported as \u201cunsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president,\u201d the FIFA statement Saturday. \u201cThose who do not have the support of FIFA\u2019s member associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA\u2019s established democratic processes.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><button class=\"button button--modal-trigger\" aria-label=\"Open the image in a modal.\" data-modal-image=\"40259230\"><br \/>\n\t<default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-plus\" fill=\"#fff\" viewbox=\"0 0 1033 1000\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\"><default:path d=\"M380 364V0h273v355h380v290H653v355H380V645H0V355h380v9z\"\/><\/default:svg><br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<img style=\"aspect-ratio:1.49926794;display:block\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-modal-image=\"40259230\" width=\"885\" height=\"590\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"FIFA President Gianni Infantino pointing during the trophy presentation.\" class=\"wp-image-40259230\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 5334w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=300,200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=768,512&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=1024,683&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=1536,1024&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1536w, 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https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=200,133&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=231,154&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=322,215&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=662,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 662w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=90,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 90w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=120,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 120w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=1200,800&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=1038,692&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1038w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=87,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 87w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-trophy-135202516.jpg?resize=50,33&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 885px) 100vw, 885px\"\/><figcaption>FIFA President Gianni Infantino is seen during the trophy presentation following the FIFA World Cup Final at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. <span class=\"credit\">Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Infantino married his wife, Leena Al Ashqar, in 2001, and the couple have four children.<\/p>\n<p>The alleged mistress \u2014 who was allegedly promoted to a management position while in a relationship with Infantino, according to The Telegraph \u2014 had an MBA course paid for by UEFA after leaving, the outlet added.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"single__inline-module aligncenter wp-block-nypost-editor-primary-tag\">\n<\/aside>\n<p>UEFA confirmed the alleged payment in a statement to The Post on Friday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are aware of the allegations and can confirm a departure payment was made to the individual in question, coupled with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school,\u201d UEFA said in a statement to The Post. \u201cThe payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSuch regulations have been tightened since 2016 and the current staff regulations \u2014 which apply to all UEFA employees at whatever level \u2014 reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><button class=\"button button--modal-trigger\" aria-label=\"Open the image in a modal.\" data-modal-image=\"40259242\"><br \/>\n\t<default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-plus\" fill=\"#fff\" viewbox=\"0 0 1033 1000\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\"><default:path d=\"M380 364V0h273v355h380v290H653v355H380V645H0V355h380v9z\"\/><\/default:svg><br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<img style=\"aspect-ratio:1.49926794;display:block\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-modal-image=\"40259242\" width=\"885\" height=\"590\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Spain's forward Dani Olmo shaking hands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino while Donald Trump watches during the 2026 World Cup final awards ceremony.\" class=\"wp-image-40259242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 5966w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=300,200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=768,512&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=1024,683&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=1536,1024&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1536w, 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https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=457,305&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 457w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=440,293&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 440w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=424,282&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 424w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=389,260&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 389w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=360,240&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 360w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=340,227&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 340w, 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https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=200,133&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=231,154&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=322,215&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=662,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 662w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=90,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 90w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=120,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 120w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=1200,800&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=1038,692&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1038w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=87,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 87w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/10-dani-olmo-congratulated-fifa-134950809.jpg?resize=50,33&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 885px) 100vw, 885px\"\/><figcaption>Spain\u2019s forward Dani Olmo is congratulated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino as US President Donald Trump looks on during the awards ceremony of the 2026 World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York\/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, July 19, 2026. <span class=\"credit\">AFP via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Infantino worked with UEFA for 16 years and became secretary general in 2009, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/soccer\/story\/_\/id\/49563647\/fifa-gianni-infantino-president-uefa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">according to ESPN<\/a>, before leaving when he became FIFA\u2019s president in 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Michel Platini, the former UEFA president, reportedly \u201cchallenged\u201d Infantino over the alleged relationship, according to The Telegraph, and an anonymous source told the outlet that Infantino \u201cmade a huge mistake and it almost cost him his career. People (within UEFA) were telling Platini, \u2018You have to fire him.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The criticism involving Infantino ballooned following the conclusion of the World Cup, when his <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/07\/28\/sports\/gianni-infantinos-20-billion-world-cup-investor-plan-sparks-uefa-furor\/\">plan to privatize the global tournament emerged<\/a>, failed and led to Norway <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/08\/07\/sports\/norway-calls-for-fifa-president-gianni-infantinos-resignation-after-failed-20-billion-coup\/\">calling for his resignation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FIFA didn\u2019t mince words in its latest statement defending Gianni Infantino, doubling down on its president and blasting \u201ca concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine\u201d his leadership one day after The Telegraph reported that Infantino \u2014 while secretary general at UEFA \u2014 allegedly had a relationship with an employee that led to her&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35121,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/crop-40259230.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=1200","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35120","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-hub"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35120","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=35120"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35120\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/35121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=35120"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=35120"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=35120"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}