FIFA accuses UEFA of 'smear campaign' as legal battle over Infantino plan escalates

FIFA and UEFA continue a high-stakes legal clash over the FIFA Forward Enterprise. FIFA accuses UEFA of a smear campaign, while UEFA pursues US-based discovery to build potential Swiss criminal proceedings against Gianni Infantino and other FIFA officials. UEFA has filed discovery requests in New York, Florida, and Colorado to obtain documents and testimony related to the proposed private investor deal, which was withdrawn after opposition from UEFA and others. FIFA has asked courts to defer or deny UEFA’s requests, arguing the filings are anti-FIFA press releases designed to undermine smaller member associations and maintain European dominance. The dispute centers on investors such as Thrive Capital and its founder Joshua Kushner, the proposed 20% stake in FIFA’s commercial arm, and the governance and valuation surrounding the plan. The case spans multiple jurisdictions as both sides accuse the other of strategic manipulation and smear campaigns, with motion battles over access to internal documents and the purposes for which they will be used.