FIFA Accuses UEFA of Smear Campaign Over Investment Plan

FIFA has accused UEFA of conducting a "smear campaign" against the organization and its president, Gianni Infantino, amid a dispute over a scrapped plan to attract private investment into FIFA's commercial rights. This conflict escalated after UEFA requested U.S. courts to release documents and testimonies related to the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed subsidiary aimed at bringing outside investors into FIFA's major competitions, including the World Cup.

UEFA claims the FFE proposal lacked proper consultation with FIFA's Council and member associations, alleging potential personal benefits for Infantino. FIFA has rejected these allegations, asserting that UEFA is misrepresenting the proposal, which could not proceed without member association support and FIFA Council approval.

The FFE proposal was abandoned in July following strong opposition from UEFA and other stakeholders. UEFA is now seeking evidence in the U.S. to support potential criminal claims under Swiss law, while FIFA is contesting these efforts in court.

The situation has political implications ahead of FIFA's presidential election in March 2027.