Uefa preparing to bring criminal claims against Gianni Infantino over World Cup sale

UEFA is preparing to make criminal claims against Fifa President Gianni Infantino over his failed Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, alleging "criminal mismanagement" according to Swiss Criminal Code Article 158. The claims stem from allegations of Infantino and possible other Fifa officials and advisers mismanaging Fifa's assets.

Uefa has requested the release of relevant documents from the United States, including from Fifa and investment firm Thrive Capital. Uefa claims Infantino's valuation of $4.2bn for a 20% stake in Fifa tournaments is "neither the product of an open, competitive auction, nor tested by any independent valuer," and that a more accurate valuation of $30bn is possible.

The document also highlights the "absurdly low enterprise value" of the scheme, and compares it to a similar proposal from 2018 that was dropped. Uefa's legal team has informed Infantino and Fifa to identify, locate, and preserve all relevant documents, and has named 14 executives to specifically preserve those materials. Uefa's attorneys describe the FFE as a "vehicle for Infantino and that small circle to acquire a permanent stake in and otherwise profit from Fifa's most valuable assets to the detriment of Fifa, its members, and other parties within the football family."