FIFA Accuses UEFA of Misinformation in Infantino Case

FIFA has alleged that UEFA is engaging in a “misinformation campaign” to influence the presidential race of FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino. This accusation arose as FIFA requested a US court to deny UEFA's discovery request linked to the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative.

UEFA sought to retrieve documents and testimonies from FIFA entities in Florida for a criminal complaint in Switzerland concerning Infantino and the proposed transfer of World Cup commercial rights to FFE. FIFA refuted UEFA's claims, stating that UEFA's legal submission contained “false or misleading statements.” A report also suggested that Infantino aimed to monetize the scheme for personal gain, which FIFA dismissed, asserting that FFE would still require approval from FIFA member associations and the FIFA Council.

The valuation dispute centered on UEFA's claim that investors would pay $4.2 billion for a stake in FFE, which FIFA countered by stating the enterprise value was “well over $30 billion.” The FFE project was ultimately abandoned in July due to governance issues raised by various confederations.