Fifa accuses Uefa of 'smear campaign' against Infantino in US legal papers
FIFA has formally accused UEFA of conducting a smear campaign after the European body sought US legal documents regarding FIFA's abandoned World Cup investor plan. UEFA is investigating potential criminal mismanagement by FIFA leadership, while FIFA argues the request is an illegal fishing expedition.
Why it matters
The escalating legal conflict between the world's two most powerful football governing bodies threatens the stability of international football governance.
FIFA HAS ACCUSED Uefa of a “smear campaign” and a “fishing expedition” after European football’s governing body asked US judges to force it to hand over documents related to its failed World Cup investor plan.
Global football body Fifa’s divisive plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to investors, unveiled in July, triggered a huge backlash across the sport, with Uefa threatening to boycott the World Cup unless the plan was scrapped.
While Fifa quickly aborted the plans in response to the backlash , Uefa is now preparing possible legal action against Fifa president Gianni Infantino for alleged “criminal mismanagement.”
Last week, it filed requests in three US states requesting the disclosure of documents related to the plan from Fifa and partners, including prospective lead investor Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Capital firm.
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