The alleged affair occurred during Infantino's tenure at the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). To sustain the relationship, he reportedly promoted the woman and gave her a 30% salary increase. Then-UEFA President Michel Platini was reportedly aware of the situation and raised concerns with Infantino. Following this, UEFA dismissed the employee with a six-figure compensation package, which included an annual 60,000 USD MBA program at a business school.

UEFA confirmed the severance payment and acknowledged the allegations, though it stated this information does not constitute legal evidence against Infantino.

"The compensation was consistent with the regulations for departing employees at the time. Such regulations have been tightened since 2016", UEFA stated.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (right) and US President Donald Trump at an event at Trump Tower, New York, US on 17/7. *Photo: AP*

Infantino worked at UEFA from 2000 to 2016. Born in 1970, the lawyer became UEFA deputy general secretary in 2007 and general secretary, a position second only to the president, in 2009. Platini served as the organization's president from 2007 to 2016.

Infantino married Leena Al Ashqar in 2001, and they have four children.

In 2016, following the resignation of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Infantino was elected as his successor. He was re-elected twice, in 2019 and 2023.

Ahead of the new term election in 3/2027, Infantino remains a prominent candidate. However, his reputation has suffered significantly due to recent controversies. These include awarding the FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump, suspending the red card of US national team striker Florin Balogun before a round of 1/8 World Cup 2026 match against Belgium, and a plan to sell minority stakes in FIFA's commercial interests, including the World Cup, to private investors. The latter plan was canceled following widespread opposition.

The Union of European Football Associations is spearheading efforts to remove Infantino, even threatening to boycott all FIFA tournaments. Despite this, the FIFA President may retain substantial support from Africa, South America, and Asia, potentially enough to overcome any pre-election challenges. This week, the Mexican Football Federation also diverged from the anti-Infantino stance held by the CONCACAF regional football federation.

The Telegraph also reported past complaints regarding Infantino's personal conduct at FIFA, but the world football governing body strongly denied these.