The conflict between FIFA and UEFA is escalating on all fronts, intertwined with allegations surrounding the private life of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The standoff between the two organizations has become even more pronounced after FIFA recently withdrew its plan to open commercial and operational stakes in major tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors amid backlash, compounded by the controversy surrounding President Infantino.

According to major foreign media outlets including the Telegraph, allegations have been raised that President Infantino engaged in a personal relationship and inappropriate conduct with a female employee between 2009 and 2016, when he served as UEFA General Secretary.

According to reports, the woman in question received a promotion and a salary increase of approximately 30% during President Infantino's tenure, reaching about £147,000 (approximately 210 million KRW). She is also said to have received a 'six-figure' severance package exceeding £100,000 (approximately 143 million KRW) upon leaving UEFA, and it was confirmed that UEFA covered her MBA tuition fees amounting to £45,000 (approximately 64 million KRW) per year.

In response, UEFA acknowledged the payments of the severance package and tuition fees. However, it stated that these were "measures taken in accordance with internal regulations applicable at the time" and added that the relevant regulations had been tightened since 2016. It did not, however, comment on who approved the payments.

Foreign media reports also cited testimony from insiders that Michel Platini, then UEFA President, raised the issue of this relationship with President Infantino and demanded he make a choice, saying, "It's her or you," ultimately leading the woman to leave UEFA. It was also alleged that President Infantino leveraged his network to help the departed woman secure a new job.

FIFA and President Infantino's side categorically denied these allegations. In a statement on the 9th (local time), FIFA said, "The allegations made are clearly unfounded and defamatory." It added, "No formal complaints regarding President Infantino's conduct have ever been raised at either UEFA or FIFA, and all compensation and severance payments were processed in accordance with the regulations and approval procedures in place at the time." A FIFA spokesperson also reiterated, "President Infantino has not engaged in any misconduct or regulatory violations."

These controversies are deepening the rift within the international football community ahead of the next FIFA presidential election scheduled for March of next year. While criticism of President Infantino is spreading across European and North and Central American football circles, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as well as the football associations of Argentina and Mexico, have reaffirmed their support. The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) also urged unity in the global football community, while expressing concerns about unilateral actions. With the anti-Infantino camp and the African and Latin American support factions clashing head-on, the conflict over global football power has reached its peak.