FIFA has accused European football’s governing body UEFA of launching a “misinformation” campaign in its bid to access documents related to Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell off parts of the World Cup. This accusation was made in FIFA’s response in a court case in Florida. The court case is an attempt by UEFA to force FIFA to hand over the documents. FIFA claims that UEFA’s actions are an attempt to influence next year’s FIFA presidential election.
The controversy began when FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed creating a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. The plan would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company created under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. However, the proposal was met with significant backlash and was quickly shelved. Despite this, UEFA has continued to oppose Infantino, calling openly for his removal.
FIFA has confirmed that Infantino will stand again for president in the election next March, despite the backlash over his now-abandoned private investment plan. In response to the criticism, Infantino sent a letter to FIFA’s 211 members indicating that a greater amount of money could be distributed to FIFA members from its cash reserves. Infantino stated that he would support “the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered”.
Infantino insisted in the letter that the abandoned proposal to sell off World Cup commercial rights had been intended to generate additional money for football. He wrote that “the recent commercial proposal, now withdrawn, was intended to enable FIFA to invest more in football”. This proposal was met with significant opposition from UEFA and other football governing bodies.
UEFA, home to World Cup holders Spain and football powerhouses such as France, England and Germany, is leading the opposition to Infantino. UEFA makes “numerous false or misleading statements” about Infantino and the world governing body, according to FIFA. These include claims that “Infantino sought to profit personally from the FFE proposal”, which FIFA denies.
Despite the opposition, Infantino is not without friends. 2034 World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia came out in support last month, with African football’s governing body CAF and South America’s CONMEBOL also supportive. This support could potentially bolster Infantino’s position as he seeks re-election as FIFA president.
The dispute between FIFA and UEFA highlights the ongoing tensions between the two governing bodies. AFP has contacted UEFA for its response to FIFA’s accusations, but no comment has been made. The outcome of the court case and the FIFA presidential election will likely have significant implications for the future of international football.
Key points
- FIFA accuses UEFA of launching a “misinformation” campaign against Gianni Infantino.
- Infantino proposes to increase funding for all 211 FIFA members.
- UEFA leads opposition to Infantino, calling for his removal as FIFA president.
