FIFA Accuses UEFA of Smear Campaign Against Infantino

FIFA has accused UEFA of running a “smear campaign” against its leadership over a controversial investment plan involving the World Cup.

The dispute centres on the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme, which sought private investment in a new FIFA commercial subsidiary.

UEFA last week filed legal papers in the United States seeking access to FIFA documents.

The European governing body wants the material for a possible criminal case in Switzerland. UEFA has accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of “criminal mismanagement” over the proposed deal.

It also alleged that Infantino promoted a below-market valuation for his personal benefit.

FIFA has now challenged UEFA’s request through court filings in the US.

The world football governing body wants the court to delay or reject UEFA’s demand for access to its documents.

FIFA argued that UEFA’s case contains fundamental legal flaws.

It also questioned UEFA’s authority to seek evidence for criminal proceedings that do not yet exist.

“Rather than participate in that democratic process, Uefa issued a press release – the beginning of a weeks-long smear campaign against Fifa and its leadership,” FIFA said in its filing.

FIFA maintained that the FFE proposal never became a final decision.

It said the plan required support from a majority of its member associations and approval from the FIFA Council.

The organisation also accused UEFA of seeking to protect its dominance in world football.

FIFA argued that greater investment in developing football nations would increase global competition.

It said stronger smaller associations could retain more players and develop domestic leagues.

UEFA has declined to comment publicly on FIFA’s latest court filing.

However, people familiar with UEFA’s position reportedly believe FIFA should release the documents if it has nothing to conceal.

The dispute has also intensified opposition to Infantino, who faces calls to resign from three football confederations.

UEFA has separately asked a New York court to compel venture capitalist Joshua Kushner to provide documents and testimony.

Kushner, brother of US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, was expected to lead the private investment in FFE.

His company, Thrive Eternal, had discussed a $4.2 billion investment with FIFA.

The proposed deal would have given investors a 20 per cent stake in a new FIFA commercial subsidiary.

FIFA abandoned the plan in July after widespread criticism.

At the time, FIFA said the scheme could have raised funding for national associations from £5.9 million to £14.7 million each for the 2027-2030 cycle.

Kushner later expressed regret over his involvement in the project.

He said the investors supported the motivations behind FFE but underestimated the political complexities of global football.

UEFA has also sought documents from American financier Greg Maffei, another key adviser on the proposed deal.

UEFA says neither Kushner nor Maffei currently faces expected legal claims.

However, its lawyers argue that the pair discussed the FFE concept as early as July 2025.

They also claim Infantino had discussed the proposal with Kushner for almost a year before the parties signed the term sheet.

UEFA further alleges that FIFA deliberately undervalued the World Cup at about £15 billion.

It said the figure did not come from an open auction or an independent valuation.

The European body also claims Infantino failed to properly consult FIFA’s governing structure before pursuing the plan.

The legal battle now threatens to deepen the rift between FIFA and UEFA as football’s global leadership faces increasing scrutiny.