FIFA has accused UEFA of waging a “smear campaign” against the world governing body and its president, Gianni Infantino, as the dispute over a scrapped plan to bring private investment into FIFA’s commercial rights intensifies.
The latest escalation came after UEFA asked US courts to release documents and obtain testimony relating to FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed subsidiary that would have brought outside investors into the commercial rights of major FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. UEFA said the information could be used in potential criminal proceedings in Switzerland against Infantino and other FIFA officials or advisers.
UEFA has alleged that the FFE proposal was developed without proper consultation with FIFA’s Council, regional confederations or its 211 member associations. It has also questioned the valuation and structure of the proposed investment, accusing Infantino of potentially benefiting personally from the arrangement.
FIFA, however, has rejected those allegations and argued in a court filing that UEFA is misrepresenting what was ultimately only a proposal.
“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,” FIFA said in its filing on Thursday. Related News Courtois puts Belgium career on hold until September 2027 Ballon d’Or history: Full list of winners from 1956 to 2025 Abiodun heartbroken after season-ending injury
