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FIFA denies Infantino's relationship with former UEFA employee

Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory, the statement emphasized

FIFA president Gianni Infantino AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

FIFA president Gianni Infantino

© AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

GENEVA, August 8. /TASS/. FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino have denied allegations of a romantic relationship with a former UEFA employee, calling the suggestion "categorically untrue" and "defamatory" in a comment to the Telegraph newspaper.

"FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory," the statement emphasized. "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. All company actions related to employees, including any departure and severance packages, have always been approved by the appropriate directors in accordance with all applicable regulations."

The Telegraph had reported that UEFA paid a six-figure compensation to an employee who was in a relationship with Infantino while he was UEFA General Secretary. The newspaper claimed Infantino facilitated her promotion and salary increase. UEFA confirmed payments were made but said they followed the organization's rules.

Infantino served as UEFA General Secretary from 2009 to 2016 before becoming FIFA president. He has been re-elected twice and is married with four children.

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