FIFA President Gianni Infantino "is facing new questions about his expenses after a German newspaper published a string of allegations," according to Dan Palmer of INSIDE THE GAMES. The 46-year-old Swiss "endured a difficult start in the top job at world football's governing body since taking over from disgraced compatriot Sepp Blatter on February 26." That "has now been exacerbated by the claims" printed by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, which says it has obtained documents that suggest Infantino acted "unethically" during his first three months in charge.
The newspaper said that "it has sent its evidence to FIFA's Ethics Commission" -- which has the power to investigate the president.
FIFA "denied any suggestion Infantino has acted improperly as they try to play down claims that corruption still lingers within the organisation even after the removal of Blatter." Among the allegations published are claims that Infantino "made a number of private purchases at FIFA's expense, including a fitness stepper machine, mattresses, a tuxedo, flowers and football boots." The FAZ claimd that these came to a combined cost of nearly CHF 15,000 ($15,500), "although FIFA said the purchases were in line with Federation rules." Infantino's use of a third vehicle "was also questioned" (INSIDE THE GAMES, 6/9).
