FIFA has formally accused UEFA of launching a “smear campaign” and conducting a “fishing expedition” after the European governing body sought to compel the disclosure of internal documents regarding FIFA’s aborted World Cup investor plan. The request was made to judges in the United States, prompting FIFA to file motions asking for the petitions to be dismissed.
The controversy originated in July when FIFA unveiled a divisive proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The move triggered widespread backlash across the football world, with UEFA threatening to boycott the tournament unless the plan was abandoned. Although FIFA quickly retracted the proposal following the outcry, tensions remain high as UEFA prepares potential legal action against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over allegations of “criminal mismanagement.”
Last week, UEFA filed requests in three US states seeking access to documents from FIFA and its partners, including Thrive Capital, the firm of prospective lead investor Joshua Kushner. UEFA has stated that if it gains access to these documents, it intends to lodge a formal legal complaint in Switzerland, citing assurances that Swiss courts would accept the case.
In its response, FIFA argued that UEFA lacks the legal standing to demand internal documents because no criminal proceedings have yet been initiated in Switzerland or elsewhere. The filings further contended that even if such proceedings existed, UEFA would not qualify as a plaintiff because it has suffered no financial loss. FIFA also alleged that UEFA is improperly bypassing Swiss judicial channels to apply directly to US courts.
FIFA warned that releasing the requested materials, which reportedly include correspondence involving Infantino and other named officials and advisors, would threaten the organization’s interests and expose sensitive proprietary information. “While these applications are styled as legal pleadings with captions and docket numbers, they are little more than press releases in further support of UEFA’s smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership,” the filings stated.
The legal battle underscores a deepening rift within global football leadership. UEFA, which had branded Infantino’s proposal as a “shady, opaque backroom deal,” appears eager to remove the president ahead of next March’s elections, where Infantino had hoped for an unopposed fourth term. While UEFA’s president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled himself out of the race, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani is considered the likely challenger.
UEFA has found solidarity from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF. On August 10, the three confederations issued a joint letter criticizing Infantino’s leadership style. “Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding – or demanding – power to be held,” the letter read. “FIFA must once again be governed as an institution serving football – not operate as an instrument of individual power.” FIFA has consistently denied these accusations, reiterating that the US requests are part of a coordinated effort to damage its reputation.
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