UEFA preparing criminal complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino

UEFA is set to file a criminal complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino in a Swiss court, alleging potential criminal mismanagement of a shelved plan to sell a World Cup stake to private investors. The complaint, which could also target other FIFA officials, is based on Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code. UEFA claims that Infantino accepted an offer below market value, resulting in his own enrichment.

The proposed $4.2 billion price tag for a 20 percent stake in FIFA's commercial enterprises has been called "fraudulently off-market" by UEFA, as it was reportedly significantly lower than the actual value of $20 billion. The offer allegedly lacked the transparency and scrutiny of an open, competitive auction or independent valuation.

FIFA initially announced the plan, led by Thrive Eternal, a venture founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law. Following widespread criticism, Infantino abandoned the plan on August 1. UEFA has since been leading efforts to remove Infantino from his position, expressing loss of confidence in his leadership and boycotting FIFA tournaments until the proposal is abandoned. The boycott threat has since been lifted, enabling the upcoming U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland.