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

FIFA has accused UEFA of conducting a “smear campaign” and a “fishing expedition” after European football’s governing body asked US courts to compel the global football organisation to disclose documents linked to its abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to investors.

The dispute marks a further escalation in tensions between FIFA and UEFA, which has emerged as one of the strongest critics of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

FIFA’s controversial proposal, unveiled in July, sought to bring private investors into the ownership structure surrounding the World Cup. The plan triggered widespread opposition across the football world, with UEFA even threatening to boycott the tournament if the proposal went ahead.

FIFA subsequently abandoned the plan following the backlash.

UEFA Seeks Documents in US Courts

Despite the cancellation of the investor proposal, UEFA has continued to pursue information about the plan as it considers possible legal action against Infantino.

Last week, UEFA filed requests in courts across three US states seeking the disclosure of documents from FIFA and several partners involved in the proposed investment structure.

The requests include documents from Thrive Capital, the investment firm founded by prospective lead investor Joshua Kushner.

UEFA has indicated that if it succeeds in obtaining the requested documents, it could use the information to pursue a legal complaint in Switzerland. The European governing body has said it has been advised that such a case could meet the requirements for consideration by a Swiss court.

FIFA has now asked US judges for permission to challenge UEFA’s requests.

FIFA Rejects UEFA’s Claims

In court filings reviewed by AFP, FIFA strongly criticised UEFA’s approach, arguing that the requests are designed primarily to damage the organisation and its leadership rather than advance legitimate legal proceedings.

“While these applications are styled as legal pleadings with captions and docket numbers, they are little more than press releases in further support of UEFA's smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership,” FIFA said in its filings.

FIFA argues that UEFA has no legal basis to demand its internal documents because no criminal proceedings have yet been initiated in Switzerland or elsewhere.

The filings further contend that even if legal proceedings existed, UEFA would lack standing because it has not suffered any financial loss.

FIFA also accused UEFA of attempting to bypass Swiss courts by seeking disclosure orders directly from US courts.

The governing body warned that releasing the requested material, including correspondence involving Infantino, FIFA officials, advisers and other personnel, could expose sensitive and proprietary information and harm FIFA’s interests.

Pressure Mounts on Infantino

The legal dispute comes as UEFA and other football confederations increase pressure on Infantino ahead of FIFA’s presidential election next March.

Infantino had been expected to seek a fourth and final term and had hoped to secure re-election without opposition following the success of the recent World Cup.

UEFA has been among his most outspoken critics, previously describing the proposed World Cup investment arrangement as a “shady, opaque backroom deal.”

The European body has also received backing from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani is widely regarded as a potential challenger to Infantino, while UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has ruled himself out of the race.

Confederations Unite Against FIFA Leadership

The three confederations have continued to coordinate their opposition, including through a strongly worded joint letter issued earlier this month.

“Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding or demanding power to be held,” the organisations said.

UEFA separately argued that FIFA should return to what it described as its fundamental role of serving the interests of football rather than becoming an instrument of individual power.

FIFA has repeatedly rejected such accusations and defended Infantino’s leadership.

The latest court filings underline the deepening institutional conflict, with FIFA again describing UEFA’s legal efforts as another stage of what it calls a campaign against the organisation and its leadership.