FIFA accuses UEFA of pursuing a smear campaign against Gianni Infantino | OneFootball

FIFA has moved to counter UEFA in a United States court, accusing the European body of using litigation to pursue a smear campaign against Gianni Infantino and FIFA’s leadership.

In filings opposing UEFA’s requests, FIFA characterises the moves as little more than publicity efforts to bolster that campaign, according to L’Équipe.

At the heart of the dispute is a shelved plan. Unveiled in July and driven by Infantino, the FIFA Forward Enterprise project sought to open the World Cup to private investors. The backlash was immediate, led by UEFA, and FIFA later backed away. UEFA is preparing legal action against Infantino in Switzerland for alleged disloyal management.

To underpin its case, UEFA last week lodged applications in three United States states seeking documents on the project and potential partners, including Thrive Capital, the firm of investor Joshua Kushner, which had been lined up for a major role. With those materials, it intends to file a complaint under Swiss law.

FIFA contests the approach. It argues UEFA cannot demand internal documents without a criminal case, lacks standing because it suffered no financial loss, and unlawfully bypassed Swiss courts to seek relief in the United States.

FIFA also says releasing correspondence involving Infantino and other named officials would directly harm its interests and expose sensitive, confidential information. UEFA maintains the plan was designed to let Infantino and a small circle of associates, including Kushner, take a permanent stake in FIFA’s most valuable assets for personal profit at the expense of FIFA, its members and the wider football community.

Source: L'Équipe

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