Kathmandu— FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing renewed scrutiny following reports that UEFA provided a substantial pay-off to an alleged lover during his time as the head of the European football organization. The allegations, which include claims of unauthorized salary increases and educational funding, emerge as Infantino struggles to maintain leadership following a failed proposal to sell private equity stakes in FIFA's major tournament rights.

Allegations of Misconduct and Financial Impropriety

According to reports from The Telegraph, Infantino, who served at UEFA for 16 years before becoming FIFA president in 2016, allegedly maintained a relationship with a junior employee during his tenure. The report claims that Infantino promoted the woman to a management position and secured a 30% pay rise, bringing her annual salary to 160,000 Swiss francs ($198,000).

Sources indicate that the then-UEFA president, Michel Platini, confronted Infantino regarding the affair. Following the confrontation, it was reportedly agreed that the woman would depart the organization with a pay-off of at least six figures from UEFA funds. Additionally, UEFA allegedly covered the costs for the woman to attend an MBA program at a business school, with tuition estimated at approximately $60,000 per year.

UEFA and FIFA Responses

UEFA confirmed to The Telegraph that a pay-off was made, but the organization maintained that both the departure payment and the MBA fees were "in line" with the regulations in place at the time.

In response to the allegations, a FIFA spokesperson stated that Infantino has denied the claims, describing them as "categorically untrue" and "defamatory."

Political Instability and Failed Privatization Plans

The scandal arrives amidst a period of intense political pressure for Infantino. Last month, he faced significant backlash over a proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a $20 billion commercial subsidiary intended to sell a 20% stake in FIFA tournament rights to private investors. The plan, which involved potential investors linked to Joshua Kushner, was denounced by critics as an attempt to privatize the sport.

The proposal collapsed after UEFA's 55 members unanimously threatened to boycott all future FIFA competitions. Following a crisis meeting in Morocco, FIFA admitted the plan "should have been handled differently," and Infantino issued a sincere apology to FIFA's vice-presidents, council, and member associations in a leaked letter.

Ongoing Leadership Crisis

Despite the apology, UEFA has stated it will continue its boycott until FIFA guarantees that private ownership of its governance will never be permitted. The organization has reiterated that it has lost confidence in Infantino's presidency, previously warning that "no option should be off the table" regarding a review of his leadership.

This governance crisis follows a contentious World Cup marked by political controversy, visa issues, and high ticket prices. Infantino's leadership has also faced scrutiny regarding his ties to US President Donald Trump, following the awarding of FIFA's inaugural peace prize to the US leader.

UEFA maintains its boycott of FIFA competitions until guarantees regarding governance ownership are secured.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.