FIFA hits back at UEFA over ‘smear campaign’ against Gianni Infantino
FIFA has launched a strong legal defence of Gianni Infantino after UEFA sought evidence in the United States as it considers possible criminal proceedings over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan.
FIFA has escalated its battle with UEFA by accusing European football’s governing body of running a “smear campaign” against president Gianni Infantino following the collapse of a controversial plan to bring private investment into World Cup commercial rights.
The latest confrontation came after UEFA approached US courts seeking testimony and documents from American organisations connected to FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which was designed to manage commercial rights linked to FIFA competitions.
UEFA is considering possible criminal proceedings in Switzerland against Infantino and other officials, alleging the project was developed without sufficient consultation with FIFA’s governing structures and its 211 member associations.
FIFA, however, has rejected UEFA’s legal approach and argued in court filings that the applications are primarily intended to damage the reputation of the organisation and its leadership.
The global governing body has also accused UEFA of trying to preserve Europe’s financial and competitive influence in world football, claiming the proposed investment structure could have helped smaller football nations strengthen their domestic game.
The FFE proposal was eventually abandoned after opposition from UEFA and other confederations, including CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation.
UEFA has since called for an independent external investigation into how the project was developed and has indicated that it will pursue institutional and legal measures to limit the powers of the FIFA presidency.
The dispute has added to mounting pressure on Infantino ahead of the next FIFA presidential election, with UEFA seeking wider reforms while the FIFA chief continues to retain significant support among several member associations and confederations.
