Fifa rejects Uefa's claims over Infantino and collapsed investment plan
Fifa calls Uefa's allegations about Gianni Infantino and the shelved Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme meritless, accusing European football's governing body of a misinformation campaign as the presidential election looms.
Fifa has struck back at Uefa over its legal filing concerning the abandoned Fifa Forward Enterprise plan, describing the European body's claims as a "misinformation campaign" aimed at influencing the presidential race. In documents filed in the Southern District of Florida, Fifa opposed Uefa's request for discovery and called the filing "farcically overbroad," arguing that similar requests have been rejected by other districts.
Uefa had asked a US court to compel disclosure of evidence and documents from Fifa, warning it could also pursue a criminal complaint in Switzerland. It accused Fifa president Gianni Infantino of "criminal mismanagement" and alleged a fraudulently off-market price promoted for his own benefit in connection with the FFE scheme, which proposed selling stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors before being shelved.
Fifa rejected those suggestions outright, saying Uefa's filing contained numerous false or misleading statements about the organisation and its president. It stated that any suggestion Infantino violated a law or ethical principle was without merit, and that there was no basis to claim he sought personal profit from the proposal.
The dispute has drawn wider attention as Infantino faces pressure from three confederations and calls to stand down. Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, a Fifa vice-president, has told Infantino to release all documents relating to the plan and called for an independent review of FFE. Infantino has said the project was intended to generate additional money for the game.
Uefa's filing is part of a broader rebellion against the Fifa president, who intends to stand for a fourth term in March 2027. Opponents have until 18 November to find an alternative candidate. Sources close to the matter have indicated that Uefa insiders believe Fifa should disclose the documents and speed up the legal process if it has nothing to hide.
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