FIFA Responds to UEFA's Legal Actions Over World Cup Plan

FIFA has accused UEFA of conducting a "smear campaign" and a "fishing expedition" after UEFA requested US judges to compel FIFA to provide documents related to its failed World Cup investor plan. This plan, introduced in July, faced significant backlash, leading FIFA to abandon it after UEFA threatened to boycott the World Cup. UEFA is now considering legal action against FIFA President Gianni Infantino for alleged "criminal mismanagement". Last week, UEFA filed requests in three US states to obtain documents from FIFA and its partners, including Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital firm. UEFA stated that if it gains access to these documents, it intends to file a legal complaint in Switzerland, asserting that the case would meet the necessary criteria for Swiss courts. In response, FIFA has requested permission from US judges to contest UEFA's requests, claiming that these applications are more akin to press releases supporting UEFA's campaign against FIFA. FIFA's filings argue that UEFA lacks the right to demand internal documents as there are no existing criminal proceedings in Switzerland or elsewhere, and even if there were, UEFA would not have legal standing due to no demonstrated financial loss. FIFA also contends that UEFA is improperly bypassing Swiss courts by approaching US courts directly. The documents in question include communications involving Infantino and other FIFA officials, which FIFA argues would threaten its interests and reveal sensitive information. UEFA has openly expressed its desire to remove Infantino, who is seeking re-election for a fourth term next March. UEFA's criticism of Infantino's proposal has garnered support from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani is viewed as a potential challenger to Infantino, while UEFA's Aleksander Ceferin has ruled himself out of contention. The three confederations have issued a joint letter emphasizing that leadership in football should not be about holding power but serving the sport. FIFA has consistently disputed UEFA's claims, reiterating that UEFA's actions are part of its ongoing smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership.