FIFA blames UEFA for smear campaign over abandoned World Cup commercial‑rights deal

In a filing seen by Reuters, FIFA said UEFA’s legal move is nothing more than a smear campaign aimed at President Gianni Infantino.

UEFA responded by filing an ex parte application in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, asking the court to compel testimony and documents from U.S. entities that could be used in possible criminal proceedings in Switzerland.

The legal clash stems from the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which would have sold a stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights. The proposal was withdrawn on July 31 after strong opposition from UEFA and other regional confederations.

UEFA has said it is considering criminal proceedings against Infantino and other FIFA officials over the FFE plan, arguing the proposal was created without proper consultation with FIFA’s governing bodies and its 211 member associations.

Infantino, who is due for re‑election to a fourth term in March 2027, now faces pressure from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, highlighting how governance disputes can quickly become legal and political battles that may shape future football commercial deals.

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