FIFA has accused UEFA of conducting a “smear campaign” against its president, Gianni Infantino, as a legal dispute over a controversial World Cup investment proposal intensifies.
The dispute centres on FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposal that would have brought private investment into FIFA’s commercial rights connected to the World Cup. The plan was expected to raise around $4.2 billion, but FIFA withdrew it in August following strong opposition from UEFA and other football stakeholders.
UEFA has since taken steps in US courts to obtain documents and evidence connected to the proposal. The European governing body says it is considering a criminal complaint against Infantino and other FIFA officials in Switzerland, arguing that the plan raised serious concerns about how FIFA’s assets were being managed.
FIFA has strongly rejected UEFA’s approach. In a court filing, FIFA described UEFA’s legal applications as part of what it called a “smear campaign” against the organisation and its leadership. FIFA is also asking a US court to delay or dismiss UEFA’s efforts to obtain the requested evidence.
The disagreement has increased political pressure on Infantino. UEFA and some other football confederations have called for greater transparency and reforms within FIFA, while Infantino continues to retain support from some other regions.
The dispute could become particularly important ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027, when Infantino is expected to seek another term.
Why it matters
The fight goes beyond one failed investment proposal. It raises broader questions about FIFA’s financial governance, transparency and the balance of power between FIFA and UEFA.
