UEFA is preparing to initiate legal proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, citing allegations of abuse of office. The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two major football governing bodies.
According to reports from the Operative Information Center-OMM, which cites documents obtained by BBC Sport, UEFA has formally requested access to evidence and documentation as part of a planned court case in Switzerland. The organization is also considering investigations into other FIFA officials potentially involved in the matter.
At the center of the dispute is Infantino’s controversial proposal to establish a company titled "FIFA Forward Enterprise," which was intended to sell World Cup broadcasting rights to private investors. Although the project was withdrawn following widespread backlash from the football community, UEFA alleges that the initiative was a deliberate attempt by Infantino and his inner circle to derive personal profit from FIFA’s most valuable assets.
Documents submitted by UEFA to the court allege that the project was kept secret from the majority of FIFA leadership and staff, with officials given only a few hours to approve the decision. UEFA claims that the proposed $20 billion valuation of the company was not verified by independent experts and was significantly lower than the actual market value.
During a recent meeting in Monaco, UEFA leadership was granted full authority to pursue corporate reforms, limit presidential powers, and ensure that FIFA is governed by institutional principles rather than personal interests. Furthermore, UEFA has petitioned US courts to demand documentation from entities involved in the project, including Thrive Capital, JP Morgan, and Bann Ventures, as well as several individuals. Gianni Infantino has not yet issued an official statement regarding these allegations.
This legal challenge underscores the deepening rift within global football governance. FIFA, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, has historically faced scrutiny regarding its transparency and decision-making processes, particularly concerning commercial rights and tournament hosting bids. UEFA's move represents a rare and aggressive attempt by a continental confederation to hold the global governing body's leadership accountable through international legal channels.
