The deepening rift between UEFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino has surfaced in explosive court documents, revealing a bitter dispute over the valuation of a proposed media rights deal. UEFA is pursuing evidence from several U.S.-based entities, including the venture capital firm Thrive Capital and its founder Josh Kushner, as part of its challenge to FIFA's financial dealings.
UEFA's legal team is seeking subpoenas for documents and testimony from Thrive Capital and Kushner, who is described as a key commercial advisor on the Football Ventures (FFV) plan. This plan involves the sale of media rights to the men's and women's World Cups. UEFA alleges that the proposed valuation of approximately $15 billion for these rights is deliberately understated. The organization is seeking to obtain evidence related to this proposed deal.
Josh Kushner, brother of former President Donald Trump's son-in-law, has not yet commented. Legal experts suggest he might challenge the subpoena by asserting that the confidentiality of deal specifics is necessary to protect his business interests. Kushner was recently involved in a record-breaking acquisition of the basketball team Los Angeles Lakers.
The timeline for this legal process remains uncertain, as does the extent to which UEFA will succeed in gathering the evidence needed to support its claims. It is also unclear if UEFA will proceed with a criminal complaint in Switzerland, a move that faces significant legal hurdles. Past attempts at criminal charges against FIFA officials, including former president Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, have not resulted in convictions.
In parallel to its legal actions, UEFA has pledged to advocate for fundamental reforms within FIFA. These include restoring limits on presidential authority and ensuring the institution is governed by a collective body rather than centered around an individual leader. UEFA is also demanding an independent external review of the FFV proposal.
Despite UEFA's opposition, FIFA President Gianni Infantino appears to retain significant support from confederations in South America, Africa, and parts of Asia. Many observers anticipate that Infantino will seek re-election for a fourth term in the spring. UEFA has stated that if Infantino seeks re-election, it will collaborate with partner confederations to present member associations with a credible alternative candidate committed to integrity and institutional change.
The ongoing conflict raises questions about the potential emergence of a unifying challenger and how the sport can prevent similar crises in the future.