UEFA's legal move 'massive escalation' in bitter Infantino feud

UEFA has escalated its conflict with FIFA president Gianni Infantino by threatening to sue him for "criminal mismanagement," according to a former International Olympic Committee marketing director. The legal move, which involves filing a criminal claim against Infantino and potentially other FIFA officials, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing feud.

UEFA had previously threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments but has since withdrawn this threat on a provisional basis. Legal documents prepared by UEFA's US-based lawyers outline the intention to file the lawsuit in a Florida court. Former IOC marketing head Michael Payne believes this legal action could be devastating for Infantino, potentially affecting his chances of being re-elected.

Payne and Terrence Burns, a World Cup bid strategist, argue that a legal route is a more potent weapon than a boycott, as it targets Infantino personally and keeps the controversy alive. They also believe Infantino has the numbers to secure re-election, given his extensive support from various confederations. Payne and Burns suggest that the legal threat could run through the November nomination deadline and into the March vote, potentially prolonging the conflict.