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

FIFA has accused European football’s governing body UEFA of conducting a “misinformation” campaign in its efforts to obtain documents concerning Gianni Infantino’s abandoned plan to sell stakes in parts of the World Cup’s commercial operations.

In a response filed in a Florida court, FIFA said UEFA’s attempt to compel the world governing body to release the documents also amounted to an effort to “influence” next year’s FIFA presidential election.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino sparked controversy in July after proposing the creation of a commercial subsidiary that would oversee some of the organisation’s biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup.

Under the proposal, private investors would have been allowed to acquire stakes in a company established through the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. However, the plan was quickly shelved following the backlash it generated.

In its court filing, FIFA accused UEFA of making “numerous false or misleading statements” about Infantino and the world governing body. It specifically rejected the claim that “Infantino sought to profit personally from the FFE proposal.”

AFP has contacted UEFA for a response to FIFA’s allegations.

UEFA, which represents major football nations including World Cup holders Spain, as well as France, England and Germany, has emerged as a leading opponent of Infantino and has openly called for him to be removed from office.

FIFA confirmed this month that Infantino will seek another term as president in next March’s election, despite the criticism surrounding his now-abandoned private investment proposal.

Infantino wrote to FIFA’s 211 member associations this week, indicating that a larger share of the organisation’s financial reserves could be distributed among its members.

In the letter seen by AFP, Infantino said he would support “the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered”.

He also maintained that the proposal to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights, which has since been withdrawn, was designed to generate additional funding for football.