FIFA blasts UEFA 'smear campaign', fights World Cup plan disclosures

FIFA has criticized UEFA for accusing the global soccer body of a "smear campaign" and a "fishing expedition" over the latter's request for documents related to its aborted World Cup investor plan. The controversy arose after FIFA unveiled plans in July to sell stakes in the World Cup to investors, sparking widespread backlash within the sport.

UEFA threatened to boycott the World Cup unless the plan was canceled. FIFA ultimately abandoned the proposal but UEFA is now considering legal action against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who faces accusations of "criminal mismanagement." Last week, UEFA submitted requests in three US states to obtain FIFA's documents, including those of potential lead investor Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital firm.

UEFA claims it intends to file a lawsuit in Switzerland if it gains access to the documents, arguing that it has been assured the case would meet the requirements to be heard in a Swiss court. FIFA has responded by asking US judges to contest UEFA's requests, arguing that they are essentially press releases supporting UEFA's "smear campaign" against FIFA and its leadership.

FIFA contends that UEFA lacks the legal right to demand FIFA's internal documents due to the lack of any criminal proceedings in Switzerland or elsewhere. Moreover, FIFA asserts that UEFA would not have legal standing if such proceedings did exist, as it has yet to suffer any financial loss.