FIFA accuses UEFA of ‘smear campaign’ over dropped World Cup investment plan

FIFA has accused UEFA of launching a "smear campaign" against FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, as tensions over a scrapped plan to introduce private investment into FIFA's commercial rights continue to rise. The dispute began when UEFA requested US court orders to release documents and testimony related to FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed subsidiary that would have allowed private investors to take a stake in FIFA's commercial rights, including those of the World Cup.

UEFA claims the proposal was developed without proper consultation with FIFA's Council, regional confederations, or its 211 member associations, and suspects Infantino of personal gain from the arrangement. FIFA, however, denies these allegations, stating that the plan was only a proposal and not a formal decision. FIFA argues that UEFA is engaging in a smear campaign and is misrepresenting the situation.

The controversy has persisted despite the proposal's abandonment in July due to opposition from UEFA and other stakeholders. UEFA is now seeking evidence in the United States to support potential criminal claims under Swiss law, while FIFA is challenging these efforts in court. The dispute has also become more political ahead of FIFA's presidential election in March 2027, with UEFA and European associations intensifying criticism of Infantino's leadership, while he remains popular among non-European football bodies.

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