FIFA accuses UEFA of misinformation campaign over World Cup investment plan
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineFIFA has accused UEFA of running a misinformation campaign aimed at destabilising the global football governing body and influencing President Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid.
FIFA made the allegation in a response filed before a federal court in Florida, United States, following UEFA’s legal efforts to obtain documents relating to the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise investment proposal.
UEFA had sought disclosure of evidence concerning the scheme and threatened to lodge a criminal complaint in Switzerland against Infantino, alleging that he engaged in “criminal mismanagement” by promoting an allegedly undervalued investment proposition.
FIFA rejected the allegations, describing UEFA’s claims as part of a targeted harassment campaign and insisting that exploring the private investment project was part of its organisational responsibilities.
The governing body also disputed UEFA’s valuation of the proposal, arguing that the European governing body had confused equity value with enterprise value.
In its court filing, FIFA said: “With no basis whatsoever, UEFA suggests that Mr Infantino sought to profit personally from the FFE proposal. UEFA’s suggestions that Mr Infantino violated any law or ethical principle are categorically without merit.”
It added: “UEFA, whether deliberately or through ignorance, conflates equity value with enterprise value,” while insisting that the proposal would have required ratification from all 211 member associations.
FIFA also challenged the timing of UEFA’s legal action, linking it to the upcoming presidential election.
The filing stated: “Just before FIFA’s election, UEFA filed this 1782 Application (and three others) spreading misinformation regarding Mr Infantino.
“This court should reject any attempt to influence FIFA’s presidential election based on these grounds.”
The FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal had involved plans to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major tournaments to private investors.
The initiative was abandoned in July after opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, with the bodies raising concerns over a lack of consultation.
The dispute subsequently deepened tensions between UEFA and Infantino, with the European governing body withdrawing its confidence in the FIFA president and critics calling for his resignation.
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FIFA has described UEFA’s discovery requests as “farcically overbroad” and “in bad faith”, arguing that the legal pressure forms part of an effort to undermine Infantino ahead of the election.
Infantino is seeking a fourth term when FIFA holds its presidential election in March 2027, with November 18 set as the deadline for challengers to put forward an alternative candidate.
Amid the disagreement, Infantino has proposed an independent review of FIFA’s internal decision-making processes as the governing body faces continued scrutiny over the collapsed investment project.
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