FIFA accuses UEFA of 'smear campaign' in fight over Infantino plan

On September 3, FIFA accused UEFA of launching a smear campaign against itself and President Gianni Infantino. This escalation in their dispute centers around an abandoned proposal to sell a stake in FIFA's commercial rights. UEFA filed an ex parte application in a U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, requesting permission to gather testimony and documents from U.S.-based entities for potential criminal proceedings in Switzerland.

FIFA contends that these applications are essentially press releases, serving to bolster UEFA's campaign against FIFA and its leadership.

UEFA is currently considering criminal proceedings against Infantino and other FIFA officials concerning FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed entity that would have managed commercial rights for the men's and women's World Cups. FIFA alleged that the proposal was developed without proper consultation from FIFA's governing bodies and 211 member associations. FIFA asked the court to postpone its ruling on UEFA's application or at least allow it to oppose the request.

FIFA argued that UEFA was seeking discovery for purportedly planned (but non-existent) Swiss criminal proceedings, and that FIFA was also accused of attempting to sabotage the FFE proposal from the beginning. The proposal was ultimately withdrawn on July 31 after opposition from UEFA and other regional governing bodies.

Infantino, who is up for re-election for a fourth term in March 2027, has faced criticism since proposing the now-abandoned plan. Several countries have withdrawn their support for his candidacy. Three confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF, have urged Infantino to resign. These regional bodies have discussed the possibility of a no-confidence vote in Infantino.

Infantino, who still has support from the African and South American confederations, has attempted to bypass the confederations and approach individual members directly.