FIFA has accused UEFA of engaging in a "smear campaign" following legal applications by the European football body to access documents related to FIFA's now-withdrawn private investor plan for the World Cup. FIFA stated that these legal maneuvers are an attempt to discredit the global governing body and its president, Gianni Infantino.
UEFA is seeking evidence through American courts concerning FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed private company intended to manage the World Cup and other FIFA competitions. FIFA confirmed in August that the plan involved selling a 20 percent stake in FFE to private investors. However, this plan was withdrawn by Infantino on August 1 due to opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF.
Despite the withdrawal, UEFA has continued to pursue legal avenues, indicating that documents sought are intended for potential criminal proceedings in Switzerland. FIFA is challenging these applications in U.S. courts. Filings reviewed by the Press Association described UEFA's actions as "little more than press releases in further support of UEFA's smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership."
FIFA filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to oppose UEFA's discovery request, which was granted by the court on August 31. FIFA has until September 28 to submit a full opposition. A similar motion was filed in the Southern District of New York. FIFA's legal team has requested that the New York court defer its decision on UEFA's application until the Florida court has ruled, or to allow FIFA to oppose the application by September 30.
According to FIFA's filings, UEFA's opposition to FFE and Infantino stems from a desire to prevent smaller nations from financially competing with European football powers. FIFA argues that strengthening football in developing countries would increase global competition, thereby reducing UEFA's market influence and providing greater challenge to its major tournaments. The FFE plan, FIFA contends, would have allowed smaller FIFA member associations to develop football within their nations, leading to more players representing their home countries and playing in local leagues, ultimately diminishing UEFA's regional dominance.
UEFA's own filings accused Infantino of "criminal mismanagement" in relation to the FFE plan. The European body alleged that the proposed sale of a stake for $4.2 billion (£3.1 billion) in FFE was an "off-market price promoted by Infantino for his own benefit."
In a separate statement, UEFA called for an independent external review of the FFE's origins. UEFA also indicated that if Infantino seeks re-election, UEFA and its partner confederations would work to present member associations with an alternative candidate committed to integrity, accountability, and genuine institutional change.