According to The Telegraph, Infantino paid a hush-money settlement to an alleged mistress during his time as UEFA General Secretary.

The woman reportedly had an improper relationship with Infantino while he was a senior UEFA official and received a six-figure payoff. While they were together, Mr. Infantino promoted her, and after her departure, UEFA reportedly funded her MBA at a business school.

On Friday night, a FIFA spokesperson stated that no complaints had ever been made by staff regarding Mr. Infantino's conduct. The spokesperson said, "FIFA President Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, which are totally unfounded. Any implication of impropriety or breach of regulations is defamatory."

"No complaint was ever made by any staff member of either UEFA or FIFA concerning Mr. Infantino's conduct because no such incident ever occurred, and all company actions concerning employees, including any departure and severance packages, were always approved by the relevant directors in line with all applicable regulations."

Sources claim that the alleged misappropriation of UEFA funds occurred while Infantino was UEFA Secretary General, and the woman was promoted to a management position while simultaneously maintaining an improper relationship with Infantino. Sources also revealed that then-UEFA President Michel Platini confronted Infantino about the matter, and eventually, an agreement was reached for the woman to leave with a compensation package.

UEFA, one of the football bodies currently calling for Mr. Infantino's resignation from FIFA, also paid for the woman's MBA course at a business school as part of the agreement, with annual tuition fees of approximately £45,000.

According to sources, the woman held an administrative role when she began her relationship with Infantino, but was later promoted to a higher-paying management position. It is alleged that when she left, Mr. Infantino used his connections to secure her a new, well-paid position in a similar field.

He also ensured that her compensation was paid, misappropriating UEFA funds that could have been used for grassroots football, including in the UK. On Friday night, a UEFA spokesperson confirmed the compensation payment and insisted that the organization has since reformed and modernized.

The spokesperson said: "We have been made aware of the allegations and can confirm that a severance payment and payment of an MBA course at a local business school were made to the individual in question. These payments were in line with the regulations applicable at the time for departing employees. Since 2016, such regulations have been strengthened and the staff regulations currently applicable for all levels of UEFA staff reflect those of a modern, high-profile organization."

Infantino allegedly promoted his mistress, giving her a 30% pay raise, bringing her annual salary to around 160,000 Swiss francs (£147,000). Her rapid promotion raised questions among colleagues, who were concerned that he might be abusing his position to advance her.

Infantino met his wife, Lina Al-Ashqar, through football; Lina worked for the Lebanese Football Association at the time. They married in 2001 and have four daughters. It is currently unclear whether Ashqar was aware of the alleged affair. However, it is said that after Platini learned about it, things took a sharp turn.

One source revealed: "He made a huge mistake that almost cost him his career. Someone within UEFA told Platini, 'You have to fire him.'" Another insider added: "Platini confronted Infantino, saying 'It's either her or you,' and Infantino replied 'She will leave,' and then she left." Multiple sources stated that Platini told Infantino that either he or the woman had to leave.

UEFA claims on its website that it uses funds efficiently and reinvests the vast majority of its income back into football development: "By keeping operating costs to a minimum, 97.5% of our net income is reinvested into football, providing unprecedented financial support at all levels of the European football pyramid."

UEFA's funds come from fans paying for European competitions, and the money is used for a range of projects, including developing women's football, combating discrimination, social and environmental sustainability initiatives, player education, helping retired players transition to new careers, and major infrastructure projects, including new stadiums and football academies.

When Mr. Infantino joined UEFA in 2000, he was a lawyer and maintained a relatively low profile before steadily rising through the ranks. Even after becoming General Secretary, UEFA employees knew him as the most approachable and down-to-earth of all the executives. He often attended social events with ordinary staff.

However, by the time the woman left UEFA, Infantino's ambitions appeared more pronounced. In 2016, after Platini was removed due to another scandal, Infantino was put forward as UEFA's preferred candidate for the FIFA presidency.

According to a former colleague, he tended to adopt a "the ends justify the means" attitude – he would reportedly be willing to meet with controversial figures from any camp if it meant he could build a football pitch.

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