FIFA has accused UEFA of launching a “smear campaign” against its president Gianni Infantino and the organization itself, escalating a dispute over a now-shelved plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The accusation follows UEFA filing legal papers in the US requesting access to FIFA documents as part of potential criminal claims in Switzerland, alleging “criminal mismanagement” and a fraudulently low price for the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme.
FIFA responded with court filings challenging Uefa’s legal action, arguing that Uefa seeks discovery for a non-existent criminal proceeding it lacks the authority to initiate. FIFA maintains the FFE was merely a proposal contingent on member association and council approval, and that Uefa bypassed democratic processes by immediately launching a public campaign against it. The organization claims Uefa’s motivation stems from a desire to maintain its market power by preventing smaller nations from gaining the financial resources to compete with European football elites, potentially leading to increased global competition and a shift in players’ allegiances.
Left and right-leaning outlets both report FIFA’s characterization of Uefa’s actions as a “smear campaign,” and Uefa’s pursuit of legal action in the US. The BBC reports insiders at Uefa believe FIFA should disclose the documents if it has nothing to hide, while GB News frames the dispute as a direct attack on Infantino. Uefa has declined to comment. A court in New York has also been asked to approve a legal document ordering testimony and documents from venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, who was involved in the proposed FFE.
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy