FIFA Accuses UEFA of ‘Smear Campaign’ Over World Cup Investment Plan

FIFA has accused UEFA of running a “smear campaign” against its leadership after the European football governing body asked US courts to compel the global football body to release documents linked to its controversial World Cup investment plan.

The dispute follows FIFA’s proposal in July to sell stakes connected to the World Cup to investors, a move that sparked strong opposition across European football. UEFA had threatened to consider boycotting the tournament if the plan went ahead, forcing FIFA to abandon the proposal shortly after its unveiling.

UEFA has since shifted its focus to possible legal action against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing him of alleged “criminal mismanagement.” The European body last week filed applications in courts across three US states seeking access to documents held by FIFA and companies involved in the proposed investment arrangement, including Thrive Capital, led by prospective investor Joshua Kushner.

UEFA has indicated that the documents could form the basis of a legal complaint in Switzerland. The organisation says it has been assured that such a case would satisfy the requirements for consideration by a Swiss court.

FIFA, however, is challenging UEFA’s attempts to obtain the records through US courts. In filings reviewed by AFP, FIFA described the applications as part of a campaign against its leadership and argued that UEFA has no legal basis to demand internal documents because no criminal proceedings have been launched in Switzerland or elsewhere.

The filings further argue that UEFA would lack legal standing even if proceedings existed, claiming the European body has not suffered financial losses from the abandoned investment proposal. FIFA also accused UEFA of attempting to bypass Swiss courts by seeking disclosure directly from US judges.

FIFA warned that releasing correspondence involving Infantino, other officials, personnel and advisers could expose sensitive and proprietary information. The governing body maintained that the latest application represented another attempt by UEFA to damage its leadership.

The confrontation comes as UEFA pushes for changes at the top of FIFA. Infantino is seeking a fourth and final term as FIFA president in March, but UEFA has emerged as one of his strongest critics, previously describing the World Cup investment proposal as a “shady, opaque backroom deal.”

UEFA has also gained support from CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation in its opposition to Infantino’s leadership. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is widely regarded as a potential challenger, while UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has ruled himself out of the FIFA presidential race.

The three confederations have jointly increased pressure on FIFA, arguing that football’s governing institutions should serve the sport rather than concentrate power in the hands of individuals. FIFA has consistently rejected the accusations, setting the stage for a potentially major legal and political battle ahead of next year’s presidential election.