FIFA President
The report further claims that UEFA financed the woman's MBA degree after her departure from the organization. In response to these allegations, UEFA confirmed to Sky News that a "departure payment" was indeed made, which included covering the fees for her MBA program at a local business school. A UEFA spokesperson emphasized that this payment was consistent with the regulations in place for departing staff at that time, noting that such policies have since been revised to reflect modern standards in high-profile organizations.
Infantino has categorically denied the allegations, with a FIFA spokesperson stating that any insinuation of misconduct or breach of regulations is defamatory. The spokesperson further asserted that no complaints regarding Infantino's behavior have ever been lodged by employees at either UEFA or FIFA, reinforcing that all actions related to employee departures and severance packages were conducted in accordance with established regulations and approved by the appropriate directors.
Support from the Argentine Football Association
In the midst of this controversy, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has publicly expressed its support for Infantino. The AFA's Executive Committee issued a letter commending Infantino's leadership over the past decade, highlighting his contributions to the global development of football through transparent governance and institutional stability. The association's endorsement comes at a time when calls for Infantino's resignation are intensifying, particularly following the fallout from his abandoned investment proposal.
The AFA's letter underscored the importance of Infantino's leadership in fostering inclusivity and strengthening the sport worldwide. "On behalf of the Argentine Football Association and its Executive Committee, we express our support for the management carried out during the last 10 years, which had as its main focuses the development of football throughout the world and institutional strength based on a clear, stable and transparent governance model," the letter stated.
