FIFA Blasts UEFA For ‘Smear Campaign’ Against Infantino

FIFA has accused UEFA of launching a “smear campaign” against the organisation as the dispute over Gianni Infantino’s abandoned World Cup investment plan escalates.

The governing body made the accusation in US court filings, responding to UEFA’s efforts to obtain documents and testimony connected to the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.

The FFE plan envisaged creating a private company that would hold commercial rights linked to the World Cup and other FIFA competitions. FIFA had considered selling a 20 per cent stake to private investors for about $4.2bn.

The proposal triggered strong opposition from UEFA and other football confederations. FIFA eventually withdrew the plan on August 1 following widespread criticism.

UEFA has since filed applications in American courts seeking evidence that it says could support potential criminal proceedings in Switzerland against Infantino.

FIFA rejected the legal action, arguing that UEFA was using court proceedings to publicly attack the organisation and its president. Its lawyers described the applications as little more than press releases supporting what they called a smear campaign.

FIFA also argued that UEFA lacked the legal standing to seek discovery because no criminal proceedings exist in relation to the proposal.

The world governing body further accused UEFA of acting out of economic self-interest, claiming that the European confederation was concerned the FFE proposal could strengthen football development globally.

UEFA, however, has alleged that the proposed arrangement amounted to criminal mismanagement and claimed the valuation and structure of the planned company were designed to benefit Infantino.

The dispute has increased pressure on Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. UEFA has called for an independent external review of how the FFE proposal was developed and has indicated opposition to Infantino seeking another term.

The Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have also criticised the FIFA leadership, while the African and South American confederations remain supportive.

The legal confrontation represents the latest escalation in an increasingly bitter dispute over FIFA governance, commercial strategy and the balance of power between the global governing body and Europe’s dominant football organisation. The controversy also comes as football leaders prepare for the next election.