Fifa accuses Uefa of ‘misinformation campaign’

FIFA has accused UEFA of launching a "misinformation campaign" regarding the shelved plans to sell stakes in the World Cup. In response to UEFA's legal request in the US for disclosure of evidence and documents from FIFA, UEFA accused FIFA president Gianni Infantino of "criminal mismanagement" and a "fraudulently off-market price" for his personal gain.

FIFA responded by stating that UEFA's filing contained "numerous false or misleading statements about FIFA and Infantino," asserting that Infantino did not seek personal profit from the FFE proposal. FIFA called UEFA's suggestions "categorically without merit" and described its conduct as "in bad faith and for the purpose of harassment."

FIFA further stated it would respectfully request the court to deny UEFA's application for discovery. Insiders believe FIFA has nothing to hide and should disclose the documents to expedite the legal process. UEFA has been leading the rebellion against Infantino, who faces calls to step down from three confederations. The FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan proposed selling stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors, sparking significant backlash.

Infantino has faced calls for his resignation, but claims the project was intended to generate additional revenue for the sport. FA chair Debbie Hewitt, a FIFA vice-president, had previously called on Infantino to release all documents related to the FFE and requested an independent review. Infantino will stand for election for a fourth time in March 2027, with opponents having until 18 November to nominate an alternative candidate.