The Telegraph: Infantino promoted ex-girlfriend at UEFA and
According to Championat.
Context
Gianni Infantino, who was UEFA general secretary before becoming FIFA president, has come under scrutiny over allegations of personal favoritism. His relationship with his ex-girlfriend, which resulted in promotion and compensation, could affect his credibility and trust in the institutions he leads.
Why this matters
The situation involving Gianni Infantino raises questions about ethics and transparency in sporting organizations, especially UEFA and FIFA. The alleged favoritism of an ex-girlfriend could tarnish Infantino's reputation, who is already facing criticism for his tenure at FIFA. This case also highlights the need for robust internal regulations to prevent conflicts of interest in sporting entities.
Main conclusions
- The Telegraph: Infantino allegedly promoted ex-girlfriend at UEFA and.
- Report from The Telegraph points out Gianni Infantino's alleged favoritism towards an ex-girlfriend when he worked at UEFA, including promotion, salary increase and subsequent compensation.
- Инфантино повысил любовницу в должности и добился для неё выплаты пособия — The Telegraph.
Gianni Infantino, current president of FIFA and former general secretary of UEFA, is at the center of new media scrutiny following an investigation by the British newspaper The Telegraph. According to the publication, when he worked at UEFA, Infantino had secured compensation for an ex-girlfriend who, however, had also been promoted within the organization's structure.
According to the information provided, the employee in question worked within UEFA's administrative staff and, after the beginning of the relationship with Infantino, she was promoted to a management position, a change that was reflected in a salary increase of around 30%, bringing her remuneration to around 160 thousand Swiss francs per year. The dossier adds that UEFA also supported the same employee's attendance at an MBA program, at an approximate cost of £45,000 per year.
The Telegraph reports that the then president of UEFA, Michel Platini, expressed displeasure at the situation regarding the alleged personal links between Infantino and the employee. Following this discomfort, it was decided to end the employee's employment relationship, accompanying her departure with the payment of financial compensation. Former colleagues of Infantino cited by the newspaper maintain that the compensation amounted to “at least six figures”.
In response, UEFA confirmed the existence of the transaction and indicated that it was aware of rumors regarding a possible relationship between the collaborator and Infantino at the time. The organization also highlighted that its internal regulations have now been “toughened” to align with the best practices and standards required of a reference entity in European football. No details were provided by UEFA regarding specific amounts or conditions for the termination of the contract.
Gianni Infantino joined UEFA in August 2000 and was appointed general secretary in 2009, a role he held until 2016. That same year, in February, he was elected president of FIFA, a position he holds to this day. The revelations now released bring back into focus issues of governance, conflicts of interest and ethics in the management of football structures, topics that have been the subject of public discussion since the cases that shook FIFA and UEFA in the last decade.
It is important to emphasize that the allegations reported by The Telegraph were not subject to public confirmation by Infantino. The framework provided by UEFA is limited to confirming a clearing operation and referring to the reinforcement of internal rules, leaving details about the process and its motivations unclear. So far, no additional disciplinary proceedings have been opened in connection with these revelations.
What happens next
With UEFA confirming the transaction and tightening its internal regulations, it is likely that there will be a review of hiring and promotion policies within the organization. Pressure from the media and public opinion could lead to further investigations into Infantino's conduct and his tenure at FIFA. The situation could also reignite debates about the leadership of figures such as Michel Platini and his links with UEFA.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Gianni Infantino at UEFA?
Gianni Infantino is under scrutiny following an investigation by The Telegraph, which revealed he allegedly promoted an ex-girlfriend and guaranteed her compensation.
Who confirmed the information about Infantino?
UEFA confirmed the existence of the transaction and acknowledged the rumors about the relationship between the collaborator and Infantino.
Why is this subject being discussed now?
The matter is now being discussed due to The Telegraph's investigation which has brought to light allegations about the promotion and compensation of Infantino's ex-girlfriend.
What changes occurred at UEFA after this case?
UEFA has indicated that its internal regulations have been tightened to align with best practice following the incident.
What was the financial impact of the employee’s promotion?
The promotion resulted in a salary increase of around 30%, bringing the employee's remuneration to approximately 160 thousand Swiss francs annually.