FIFA has accused UEFA of running a 'misinformation campaign' in a US court filing, rejecting allegations of criminal mismanagement and fraud against its president Gianni Infantino. The legal clash centres on the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
UEFA filed legal papers in the US last month seeking disclosure of documents related to the FFE scheme. It accused Infantino of 'criminal mismanagement' and promoting a 'fraudulently off-market price' for his own benefit, claims that have led to a loss of confidence in the FIFA president. UEFA has led a rebellion against Infantino, who faces calls to stand down from three confederations ahead of next year's presidential election.
FIFA's filing in the District Court of South Florida this week dismissed UEFA's allegations as baseless and made in bad faith. The global body said UEFA's suggestions were 'categorically without merit' and designed to influence the upcoming election. "With no basis whatsoever, UEFA suggests that Mr Infantino sought to profit personally from the FFE proposal," FIFA said. It described UEFA's conduct as 'for the purpose of harassment' and urged the court to deny the application for discovery.
The FFE proposal, which would have required ratification from FIFA's 211 member associations, was ultimately shelved by Infantino after widespread rejection. FIFA argued it would have been a 'dereliction of duty' not to explore the idea to generate additional revenue for the game. The deadline for candidates to be submitted in the FIFA presidential election is 18 November, a date FIFA noted in its filing, questioning the timing of UEFA's legal move. FIFA stated that UEFA's actions are part of a coordinated effort to damage Infantino's reputation ahead of the vote.
In its detailed response, FIFA also revealed that the FFE proposal was developed with external financial and legal advisors, and that all exploratory work was fully compliant with internal governance rules. The filing emphasises that the proposal was never implemented and no financial transactions took place. FIFA contends that UEFA's lawsuit is an improper attempt to use US courts to litigate a political dispute within global football's governing bodies.
For Leyton Orient supporters following the wider game, the off-field drama contrasts with the club's focus on League One matters. Orient sit 11th in the standings with 10 points from seven games, having scored 13 goals. The squad's current form, shows one win in their last five outings as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
The FIFA presidential election will proceed with Infantino standing for a fourth term, with opponents having until 18 November to nominate an alternative candidate. The outcome of the legal dispute in Florida is not expected to impact the election timeline, but it shows the deep divisions at the highest levels of the sport's administration.
