FIFA defends Gianni Infantino after allegations of mistress paid off by UEFA

FIFA didn’t mince words in its latest statement defending Gianni Infantino, doubling down on its president and blasting “a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” his leadership one day after The Telegraph reported that Infantino — while secretary general at UEFA — allegedly had a relationship with an employee that led to her receiving a six-figure payment from the organization.After defending Infantino in its initial statement to The Telegraph, calling the allegations “categorically untrue” and “defamatory,” FIFA echoed a similar sentiment in its statement Saturday, describing what has been reported as “unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims.”“It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president,” the FIFA statement Saturday.“Those who do not have the support of FIFA’s member associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes.”Infantino married his wife, Leena Al Ashqar, in 2001, and the couple have four children.The alleged mistress — who was allegedly promoted to a management position while in a relationship with Infantino, according to The Telegraph — had an MBA course paid for by UEFA after leaving, the outlet added.UEFA confirmed the alleged payment in a statement to The Post on Friday.“We are aware of the allegations and can confirm a departure payment was made to the individual in question, coupled with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school,” UEFA said in a statement to The Post.

“The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time. “Such regulations have been tightened since 2016 and the current staff regulations — which apply to all UEFA employees at whatever level — reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation.”Infantino wor...