FIFA has accused UEFA of harassing its president, Gianni Infantino, and attempting to influence his re-election campaign by spreading misinformation over a proposed World Cup investment scheme.
The allegations are contained in a legal filing made by FIFA in Miami, in which football’s world governing body is seeking to block UEFA’s request for access to evidence relating to the abandoned plan to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors.
FIFA’s lawyers said UEFA’s application had been brought in bad faith. “UEFA’s conduct demonstrates that its application was made in bad faith and for the purpose of harassment,” they wrote.
UEFA has sought documents connected to the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme. It has said the material could support a case against Mr Infantino for alleged criminal mismanagement, claiming the tournaments were undersold for his personal financial benefit.
FIFA rejected that suggestion. Its lawyers said: “With no basis whatsoever, UEFA suggests that Mr Infantino sought to profit personally from the FFE proposal.”
The dispute has intensified ahead of Mr Infantino’s bid for re-election in March 2027. UEFA has withdrawn its support for the FIFA president, although it has not yet put forward an alternative candidate before the November deadline.
In its submission, FIFA accused UEFA of using the legal action to affect the presidential contest. “Just before FIFA’s election, UEFA filed this application [and three others] spreading misinformation regarding Mr Infantino,” the filing said.
It added: “This court should reject any attempt to influence FIFA’s presidential election based on these grounds.”
