*This content was translated by AI.
Gianni Infantino (56), President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), is embroiled in allegations that he maintained an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate employee and provided improper special treatment during his tenure as Secretary General of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
The British 'Telegraph' reported on the 7th (Korean time) that "In Pan-ti-no (Chairman) provided special treatment, including rapid promotion and salary increases, to a junior female employee with whom he had previously maintained a private relationship." According to the report, the woman, who held an administrative position at the time, was promoted to a managerial role while her relationship with Infantino continued, earning an annual salary of approximately 160,000 Swiss francs (about 280 million won).
At the time, then-UEFA President Michel Platini became aware of their relationship and raised concerns, leading the woman to resign. However, it was revealed that during her departure process, UEFA provided her with a substantial severance package and covered tuition fees for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program worth approximately 45,000 pounds annually (about 85 million won), sparking internal suspicions of special treatment.
In response, UEFA acknowledged the payment of severance and tuition support but explained that "the payments were made in accordance with standards at the time and do not constitute a violation of regulations."
Conversely, FIFA's spokesperson and In Pan-ti-no (Chairman) firmly denied all allegations, stating that "the claims are entirely false and any suggestion of inappropriate conduct or regulatory violations constitutes clear defamation."
Recently, In Pan-ti-no (Chairman) has been involved in serious conflicts with the football community, including UEFA, over efforts to sell commercial rights for major tournaments. With the addition of these personal and moral controversies, pressure on Infantino to resign from his position as president is expected to intensify.
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*This content was translated by AI.
