FIFA Accuses UEFA Of Smear Campaign
FIFA has accused UEFA of conducting a “smear campaign” against president Gianni Infantino as it challenges the European body’s request for documents linked to a scrapped World Cup investment plan.
FIFA challenges UEFA filing
FIFA has accused UEFA of running a “smear campaign” against Gianni Infantino in court filings related to the world governing body’s abandoned investment proposal.
UEFA has filed legal requests in the United States seeking documents and testimony linked to FIFA’s proposed sale of stakes in a commercial venture connected to the World Cup and other competitions. UEFA has said it is considering whether to pursue a criminal complaint in Switzerland.
In a response submitted to a New York court, FIFA’s lawyers argued that UEFA’s legal applications were being used to support a public campaign against FIFA and its leadership.
FIFA disputes legal basis
FIFA said UEFA’s request had a fundamental legal flaw because it sought evidence for a foreign criminal proceeding that does not currently exist.
The governing body also argued that UEFA does not have the authority to start a Swiss criminal case itself. FIFA has asked the New York court to delay consideration of UEFA’s request or allow FIFA additional time to formally oppose it.
The court has not ruled on UEFA’s request.
Scrapped investment plan
The dispute stems from a FIFA proposal involving FIFA Football Enterprises, a commercial entity that would have been linked to the World Cup and other revenue-generating rights.
Reports described a plan to raise $4.2 billion from private investors, including an investment group connected to Thrive Capital, for a stake in the venture. The wider project was reported to have been valued at about $20 billion before FIFA abandoned it after widespread opposition.
Joshua Kushner, the founder of Thrive Capital, has said he would not have become involved if he had known the scale of the opposition the proposal would generate.
FIFA alleges economic motive
In its filing, FIFA alleged that UEFA had an economic motive to prevent smaller member associations from receiving more financial support.
FIFA argued that greater funding for smaller football nations could make international competition more competitive and reduce UEFA’s market influence. This is FIFA’s argument in the court filing; it has not been established as a finding by a court.
UEFA has accused Infantino of criminal mismanagement and is seeking evidence as it considers further legal action. The allegations remain unproven, and no criminal proceedings have been confirmed.