FIFA accuses UEFA of 'smear campaign' against Infantino

The world's governing body for football, FIFA, has accused UEFA of spreading misinformation and conducting an investigation into the two organizations and their President, Gianni Infantino. This dispute arose from FIFA's intention to sell a portion of its commercial rights. UEFA then filed an ex parte application with the US District Court in New York to gather evidence and documents from entities in the United States, which they intend to use in possible criminal proceedings in Switzerland.

FIFA claims these actions are merely promotional material to back their smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership.

In a legal move to intervene, FIFA requested the postponement or dismissal of the discovery process. UEFA claims that FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), the entity which would have sold the commercial rights linked to the FIFA World Cup to investors, was created without proper consultation from FIFA's 211 member associations and its own governing bodies.

UEFA threatened to boycott the FIFA World Cup if the move went through. The two organizations are in disagreement over the FFE proposal, with UEFA alleging that UEFA's member association sought to preserve European football's dominance. Several countries have expressed their discontent with Gianni Infantino's re-election for a fourth term as president in March 2027, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation.

Infantino's presidency is supported only by the South American and African confederations. UEFA has also called for a neutral external review of the proposal's origins, arguing that FIFA cannot self-investigate and expect the global community to accept its conclusions.