FIFA accuses UEFA of campaign to discredit Infantino
FIFA has accused UEFA of conducting a campaign to discredit the organization and its president Gianni Infantino amid a dispute over a withdrawn plan to sell a stake in commercial rights related to the men’s and women’s World Cups. This was reported by ABC News Australia, citing a court document reviewed by Reuters.
UEFA filing in a US court
Last week, UEFA submitted an ex parte application to the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. The organization requested permission to obtain testimony and documents from US-based entities for possible use in potential criminal proceedings in Switzerland.
UEFA said it was considering criminal prosecution of Infantino and other FIFA officials in connection with FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The proposed structure was to own commercial rights related to the men’s and women’s World Cups. UEFA claims that the project was developed without proper consultation with FIFA’s governing bodies and its 211 member associations.
FIFA’s position
In a motion to intervene filed on September 1 by FIFA (AMERICAS) Inc. and FWC2026 US, Inc., FIFA asked the court to postpone consideration of UEFA’s application or allow it to oppose the request. FIFA said UEFA was seeking evidence for allegedly planned but non-existent criminal proceedings in Switzerland.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
FIFA also claims that UEFA had sought from the outset to derail the creation of FFE and that its position was driven by a desire to preserve the dominance of European football. The proposal was withdrawn on July 31 after objections from UEFA and other regional confederations.
Pressure on Infantino
Infantino, who will run for a fourth term as FIFA president in March 2027, has faced criticism following the introduction of the proposal. According to ABC News Australia, UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF are pressuring him to resign and have discussed the possibility of a vote of no confidence.
UEFA said that, together with partner confederations, it would work to offer member associations a “credible alternative” committed to reform if Infantino runs again. At the same time, the organization has temporarily suspended plans to boycott FIFA tournaments, opening the way for all qualified teams to participate in the Women’s U-20 World Cup in Poland next month.
