Pressure on Gianni Infantino to resign as FIFA president continues to grow. New details emerged about a six-figure payment from UEFA to his alleged mistress. The reports link the payout to his time as UEFA general secretary.

The Telegraph first reported the story. A junior female employee allegedly had an affair with Infantino. She received a substantial departure package from UEFA after the relationship ended.

UEFA confirmed the payment in a statement. Officials also acknowledged awareness of the relationship at the time. Michel Platini, then UEFA president, reportedly raised concerns with Infantino.

Gianni Infantino’s Past at UEFA Draws Scrutiny

Gianni Infantino served as UEFA general secretary before becoming FIFA president in 2016. The alleged relationship occurred during that period. Sources claim the employee received a promotion and a 30 percent pay rise while they were involved.

UEFA covered the cost of an MBA course for her at a business school. The course fees reached around £45,000 per year. The organisation said the departure payment complied with regulations in place at the time. Those rules have since been tightened.

Infantino has been married to Leena Al Ashqar since 2001. The couple has four daughters together. He has not publicly addressed the latest claims in detail.

Gianni Infantino Fights to Keep FIFA Role

Infantino already faced heavy criticism over a failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. UEFA has led calls for him to step down and threatened to boycott FIFA competitions. Support from Africa, South America and parts of Asia has helped him hold on so far.

Norwegian FA president Lise Klaveness said she would report him to FIFA’s Ethics Committee. The complaint targets several recent decisions, including the abandoned investment scheme. Mexico recently broke ranks from regional opposition and reaffirmed confidence in the current leadership.

The new revelations add another layer of controversy. UEFA stated the payment aligned with former staff rules. Critics argue the situation raises serious questions about governance during Infantino’s rise.

The FIFA president has shown no sign of stepping aside. He continues to prepare for a possible fourth term at the congress in Morocco next March, according to latest reports. The coming months will determine whether the mounting pressure forces a change at the top of world football.