Fifa accuses Uefa of ‘smear campaign’ against Infantino

Fifa has accused Uefa of launching a "smear campaign" against it and its leadership in a dispute over litigation related to former president Gianni Infantino's proposed sale of World Cup stakes. Last week, Uefa filed legal papers in the US seeking disclosure of evidence and documents from Fifa in potential criminal claims. In response, Fifa has filed court documents requesting the court to oppose Uefa's request for discovery by the end of the month.

Fifa claims Uefa's argument has "fundamental defects" and "legal deficiencies", as Uefa lacks the authority to initiate a foreign criminal proceeding. Fifa asserts their proposal for the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme was only a proposal and could only proceed with majority support from member associations and relevant approvals from the Fifa Council.

Fifa claims Uefa's motive was to prevent smaller countries from having financial strength to compete with the European elite. The controversy has led to calls for Infantino to stand down from three confederations. Uefa has declined to comment, but insiders suggest that if Fifa has nothing to hide, it should disclose the documents and expedite the legal process.