FIFA has accused UEFA of orchestrating a “disinformation campaign” by seeking access to documents related to Gianni Infantino’s ultimately abandoned plan to sell shares in World Cup revenues, according to a letter sent Monday, September 28, to a Florida court.
In the 26-page letter made public Monday, football’s world governing body asked the Florida judiciary to reject UEFA’s request, arguing that it was intended to “influence” the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat. Infantino is currently the only candidate seeking another term as FIFA president.
“UEFA is acting with the aim of harassment and not because of any legitimate need for discovery,” FIFA said, accusing the European governing body of acting “in bad faith.”
At the end of August, UEFA, whose president Aleksander Čeferin is leading opposition to Infantino, took steps that could pave the way for a complaint against the FIFA president for “mismanagement.” The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison and requires proving that he intentionally harmed FIFA’s interests.
UEFA turned to the Florida courts to compel FIFA’s US subsidiaries to hand over a series of documents linked to Infantino’s ultimately abandoned plan to place World Cup revenues in a company open to private investors, following criticism of the proposal.
In its 60-page request, seen by AFP at the time, UEFA said the documents were sought to support “foreign proceedings” that could subsequently be brought before the Swiss courts, “and potentially against other FIFA officials and advisers.”
According to FIFA, “UEFA’s filing contains numerous false or misleading assertions concerning FIFA and Mr. Infantino.” It also accused UEFA of suggesting, “without the slightest basis,” that Infantino had sought to obtain a personal benefit by proposing to open the World Cup to private investors.
Contacted by AFP, UEFA has yet to respond.
FIFA’s response marks another episode in the crisis that has pitted the world governing body against UEFA and other confederations such as Concacaf, which covers North America, Central America and the Caribbean, and the AFC in Asia. The confederations have called for governance reforms, with several also demanding Infantino’s resignation.
Gianni Infantino, président de la FIFA. Getty Images via AFP
Ten days ago, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani also called on FIFA to pay “at least $10 million” to each of its 211 member associations, drawing on FIFA reserves that they estimated at “around $6 billion.”
Infantino responded, opening the door to discussions on a fairer redistribution of FIFA’s resources without “prejudging the amount,” according to a letter sent to the presidents of the six confederations and seen by AFP on Monday.
The FIFA president also proposed “a consultation” with member associations last week to reform the organization’s functioning, promising to consider their proposals at the next FIFA Council meeting on October 15.
For now, the Italian-Swiss remains the only candidate seeking to retain the FIFA presidency, with the deadline for submitting candidacies set for November 18.
