FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly denied claims that UEFA made a severance payment to a female employee who was allegedly in a relationship with him while he served as the organisation's general-secretary.

The Daily Telegraph reported that UEFA paid a six-figure sum to the woman, who purportedly had an affair with the married Infantino during his time at European football’s governing body. However, UEFA confirmed that a 'departure payment' was made to the female employee during Infantino's tenure but did not confirm any connection to the allegations.

A spokesman for Infantino told the Daily Telegraph, "Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory." The spokesman also emphasized that "no employee at UEFA and FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr Infantino’s behaviour because there never was an incident where he was involved."

These developments come amid other football news including Atletico Madrid's decision not to sell Alvarez despite Barcelona's interest, Arsenal's signing of Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, Messi's retirement plans as stated by the Argentina FA chief, and an apology from the South Korea FA over 'sexual services' allegations.

Sources