Fifa blasts Uefa ‘smear campaign,’ fights World Cup plan disclosures

European football's governing body Uefa has accused FIFA of orchestrating a smear campaign and a fishing expedition after the latter requested documents related to its aborted World Cup investor plan. FIFA, which scrapped the plan due to widespread backlash, claims Uefa's demands are an attempt to remove its president, Gianni Infantino.

Uefa, however, is preparing potential legal action against Infantino for alleged criminal mismanagement. The controversy intensified when Uefa filed requests in three US states seeking documents from FIFA and its partners, including potential lead investor Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital firm. FIFA has responded by seeking permission to challenge Uefa's requests in US courts, arguing that Uefa lacks the right to demand internal documents without existing criminal proceedings in Switzerland or elsewhere.