For some time now, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been making negative headlines. He drew criticism for the way he cosied up to Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and has only made himself more unpopular since then.

His biggest mistake, however, appears to have been the plan to privatise the World Cup. The idea of selling off shares in FIFA’s biggest competition sparked outrage, with many now turning on the football administrator. Notably, UEFA have led the calls for Infantino to step down from his role.

The 56-year-old actually used to work for UEFA, joining in 2000 and leaving 16 years later to take on his current role with FIFA. During that time, it’s now been reported that he had an ‘alleged mistress.’

UEFA Reportedly Paid Off Infantino’s Alleged Mistress

REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

As per The Telegraph, UEFA reportedly paid off an alleged mistress of Infantino while he was working as general secretary. It’s said that the woman, a junior employee, received a six-figure sum after the alleged relationship with Infantino – who is married and has four children – while he was a leading official at European football’s governing body.

What’s more, she is alleged to have been promoted by the now-FIFA president during their relationship. After she left, the football organisation reportedly paid for her to do an MBA at a business school which charged fees of about £45,000 a year.

The woman was reportedly in an administrative position when their relationship began, but was subsequently promoted to a more lucrative managerial role. When she left, Infantino is alleged to have used then his connections to get her a new lucrative job, and later diverted UEFA funds to secure her pay-off.

In a statement, UEFA admitted that a payment had been made and that it was aware of the allegations that the woman was in a relationship with Infantino. The European footballing body said they have since “tightened” their regulations to “reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation.”

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FIFA Statement on Infantino Allegations

REUTERS/Jennifer Gauthier

A FIFA spokesman has said that there had never been any complaints by employees about Infantino’s behaviour. In a statement, the spokesman also confirmed that the organisation’s president denies the claims:

The Telegraph went on to claim, via sources, that Infantino was challenged over the alleged affair by Michel Platini, UEFA’s then president, and it was agreed that she would leave with a six-figure pay-off.

Manchester City have made contact over a surprise deal to sign Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister as a replacement for Rodri, according to reports.

The Cityzens have had a relatively quiet summer transfer window so far, breaking their club-record to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, while also bringing in teenager Jeremy Monga and young goalkeeper Pierce Charles for new manager Enzo Maresca.

But the club are facing a battle to hold on to their star midfielder after he won the World Cup, and plans are underway for City to find a replacement ahead of the new season beginning.

Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

According to journalist Matt Thielen, Man City have made contact with Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister’s camp over a potential move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.
City have accumulated a shortlist of options to replace the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner after it emerged that he is keen to return to Spain, amid strong interest from Barcelona. Mac Allister is one of the players on that list, although it is unclear if he would be open to the move or if Liverpool would be open to selling the Argentina international.

Rodri Says Yes to Barcelona in Huge Transfer Twist

Mac Allister has been a regular for Liverpool since signing from Brighton in 2023, winning the Premier League and EFL Cup in his three seasons at Anfield. He has made 150 appearances, scoring 19 goals in that time, and earned the praise of some top stars.
One such star was Paul Scholes, who listed him as the fourth-best midfielder in world football last year, behind only Vitinha, Rodri and Pedri.

“Mac Allister, again, I thought he was brilliant last year for Liverpool. I saw him close up in the game at Old Trafford, as I mentioned before, he was brilliant, controlled everything. I don’t think he’s had a great start to this season.
“So I’ll have Mac Allister at number four.”

🚨 EXCL: Manchester City have made contact with Alexis Mac Allister’s camp to explore a potential move for the Liverpool midfielder.
Mac Allister is on City’s shortlist of potential reinforcements should Rodri leave the club. pic.twitter.com/koJlWrgMJI
— Matt Thielen (@MattThielen) August 6, 2026

Rodri World Cup 2026 Stats
Appearances	8
Minutes	726
Key Passes (per 90)	1.4
Average Passes (per 90)	101.4
Pass Success %	93.2
Long Balls (per 90)	4.6

Man City Reject Barcelona Bid as Rodri Agrees to Move

GIVEMESPORT sources understand that Man City have already rejected an opening bid from Barcelona for Rodri.
The Catalan giants tabled an offer worth an initial €45m (£38.5m), but City have rejected it out of hand as they are looking for around €75m (£64.2m) to let the 30-year-old leave, despite him being in the final year of his contract.
Rodri has already agreed terms with Hansi Flick’s side over a move, having picked them over rivals Real Madrid, who have now exited the race for his signature. Barcelona are now planning to make a fresh offer, and remain confident of finding an agreement with City in the coming weeks.
The Spain international was key to the World Cup win this summer, but is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery for a back issue following the tournament.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored – correct as of 07/08/2026.

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Related

Man City Reject Barcelona Bid for World-Class Star

Man City have rejected an opening bid.

A Chelsea and England defender has thrown her weight behind a potential UEFA boycott of FIFA competitions, insisting that drastic action is necessary to protect the long-term integrity of the sport.

The message is that standing by collective principles matters more than immediate participation in major international tournaments, even with a host of high-profile fixtures on the horizon.

The situation has grown increasingly tense as European member associations weigh up a total boycott of FIFA-sanctioned events. The stance originated after FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed selling stakes in various competitions, such as the World Cup, to private investors, a move that met fierce resistance from UEFA’s 55 member nations before it was later scrapped.

Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze Backs UEFA Boycott Stance

REUTERS/Matthew Childs

The player in question is Lucy Bronze, who was speaking during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of New Zealand. She made clear that players are prepared to follow through with the protest if it serves the wider good of the game.

“I think the players who play in those competitions, the European players, we stand by our beliefs and what the right thing is for our game,” she said.

The immediate fallout would be felt most acutely in the women’s game, with the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup due to begin on the 5th of September. That tournament features a strong European contingent including England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and hosts Poland.

Chief Football Writer at The Times, Henry Winter, added further context on X, revealing England are continuing preparations to attend the tournament in Poland but that it remains a fast-moving situation with the FA’s stance unchanged in its support of UEFA.

REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

Bronze framed her support for the boycott as being about more than short-term politics, insisting it is about protecting the sport’s legacy for generations to come.

“It’s for the future of the game and not just for me today and tomorrow. It’s for all the little girls or little boys who come after us to make sure that they’re in a good place when the game’s moving forward in decades to come, not just tomorrow.”

Her comments come despite FIFA U-turning on its private investment plans, with Infantino issuing an apology for his “errors.” UEFA nonetheless confirmed on Thursday that the boycott remains on the table.