“After conducting both preliminary and formal investigation proceedings, the investigatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has decided to conclude its investigations concerning FIFA President Gianni Infantino. It was found that no violation of the Fifa Code of Ethics had been committed,” a statement said.
The ethics committee said it found “prima facie” evidence of wrongdoing, but that the formal inquiry proved Infantino’s innocence. Questions surrounding Infantino’s conduct emerged within months of him taking charge as the most powerful man in FIFA
An FIFA internal memo, which leaked last month but was dated May 23rd, listed concerns about Infantino’s lifestyle, as well as possible conflicts of interest, such as the use of private jets, which it said were paid for by Russia and Qatar and estimated at between $115,000 and $150,000 (134,000 euros). Lead investigator Vanessa Allard cleared Infantino on any misconduct in connection with the flights and expenses.
There has been further unease about the process that led to the hiring of FIFA’s new general secretary, Fatma Samoura of Senegal, with some suggesting that proper vetting procedures were not followed. FIFA insiders have also voiced concern about Infantino’s refusal to sign his employment contract amid disputes about compensation.
Infantino was “pleased” with the finding, a Fifa statement said, which also thanked “all those who cooperated with the Ethics Committee to ensure that the facts were heard and the truth prevailed”.
Source: thelocal.ch
