FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing fresh scrutiny after reports allege that UEFA made a six-figure payment to a woman with whom he had a relationship while he was UEFA general secretary. Several outlets report that the claims are tied to an abrupt exit arrangement for a former employee and that the payments were linked, by allegation, to an alleged affair.

Infantino denies the allegations, saying they are “categorically untrue” and describing the claims as defamatory. UEFA, in contrast, confirms it is aware of the allegation and says a “departure payment” was made to a female employee and that additional costs, including fees for an MBA course, were also covered. UEFA states the payment was made in line with regulations at the time. Reports also note wider political pressure on Infantino’s FIFA leadership amid other controversies, including the collapse of a World Cup investment-related plan.

Across coverage, the main differences focus on the framing: some outlets highlight the “six-figure” nature and the implied affair, while others emphasize UEFA’s stated compliance with internal rules and Infantino’s denial. Calls for resignation are mentioned by some outlets as the controversy develops.