FIFA accuses UEFA of 'misinformation campaign' in bid for World Cup papers

FIFA has accused UEFA of launching a misinformation campaign in an attempt to gain access to documents related to Gianni Infantino's plan to sell parts of the World Cup. The FIFA President's proposal to create a commercial subsidiary for running major events like the World Cup and Club World Cup was swiftly abandoned following a backlash.

In a court filing, FIFA asserts that UEFA's actions are driven by a desire to influence the FIFA presidential election next year, rather than seeking legitimate discovery. FIFA claims UEFA is acting in bad faith and making false or misleading statements about Infantino and the World Cup governing body. UEFA has filed a request in Florida for permission to gather evidence for a potential criminal complaint in Switzerland, alleging criminal mismanagement by both FIFA and Infantino.

Infantino, despite the controversy, will run for president again in the March election. The FIFA President, who has an estimated $6 billion in unused cash reserves, stated in a letter to FIFA's 211 members that he supports additional funding for member associations for infrastructure and development.