FIFA defends president against criticism over alleged misconduct

FIFA defended its president Gianni Infantino on Saturday after a newspaper published serious allegations about his past. The Daily Telegraph reported that a large payment was made to a female employee who was allegedly in a relationship with Infantino when he worked at UEFA. UEFA confirmed it paid the woman when she left and also covered her MBA studies, saying both payments followed the rules at the time. FIFA strongly rejected the claims, calling them untrue and unproven. The organisation said recent reporting has included false information and promised to challenge any stories it believes are wrong. FIFA also pointed out that Infantino was elected by member associations and has held the presidency since 2016.