FIFA vs UEFA: Court Filing Accuses European Body of Misinformation Campaign Over Infantino’s World Cup Investor Plan
FIFA has accused UEFA of running a “misinformation campaign” in a court filing that deepens the open conflict between world football’s governing body and its European counterpart. The FIFA UEFA misinformation campaign row centres on a shelved plan by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to bring private investors into the World Cup.
The accusation appears in a 26-page filing lodged on Monday night in the Southern District of Florida. FIFA is opposing a request by UEFA for permission to gather evidence linked to the plan, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The proposal would have sold stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors. It was dropped in July after strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, which criticised the lack of consultation.
UEFA’s application, made under a US law that lets parties seek evidence for foreign proceedings, is meant to support a possible criminal complaint in Switzerland, where both organisations are based. UEFA alleged “criminal mismanagement” and claimed the plan involved a price far below market value that Infantino promoted for his own benefit.
FIFA rejected the claims. It said UEFA’s filing contained numerous false or misleading statements and argued that the suggestion Infantino sought to profit personally from the plan had no basis. According to FIFA, UEFA confused equity value with enterprise value, and could have learned this had it checked its assertions before criticising the plan publicly or going to a federal court. The filing said any suggestion that Infantino broke a law or ethical principle is “categorically without merit.”
FIFA also defended the idea itself, saying it would have been a dereliction of duty for Infantino not to explore it. Infantino has previously said the project was meant to generate extra money for the game.
The document further accuses UEFA of bad faith and says the application was made for harassment rather than any real need for evidence. It highlights the timing, noting that UEFA filed just before FIFA’s presidential election next year and that the deadline for candidates is November 18. FIFA urged the court to reject any attempt to influence the vote.
UEFA has been at the forefront of opposition to Infantino, who has faced calls to stand down from three confederations. UEFA told AFP it had no comment on the filing. Insiders quoted by BBC Sport argued that if FIFA has nothing to hide, it should hand over the documents and speed up the legal process.
The financial dispute continues alongside the court fight. Earlier this month UEFA urged FIFA to give each of its member associations $10 million, about $2.1 billion in total, for infrastructure and development. UEFA argued that FIFA holds an estimated $6 billion in unused cash reserves, so Infantino had no need to raise capital from outside investors.
The Florida court has yet to rule. With the election approaching, the dispute is likely to shape the race for control of football’s most powerful post.
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