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UEFA is reportedly preparing criminal proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over a controversial plan involving private investment in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions.
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Leaked legal documents reportedly show UEFA seeking documents from FIFA and financial institutions involved in the proposed transaction.
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FIFA has defended Infantino and rejected allegations surrounding his leadership, describing the criticism as an attempt to undermine the FIFA president.
August 27, (THEWILL) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a fresh legal challenge from UEFA over a controversial plan to sell stakes in major football tournaments, including the World Cup.
The dispute has escalated after leaked legal documents reportedly revealed that UEFA is preparing to pursue criminal claims against Infantino and potentially other FIFA officials and advisers over the abandoned proposal.
The documents, reportedly obtained by Sky News, show UEFA seeking access to records from FIFA and financial institutions in the United States that were involved in discussions surrounding the proposed transaction.
The case could eventually be brought in Switzerland, where FIFA is headquartered.
How the World Cup plan sparked controversy
The dispute centres on a proposal linked to Infantino that would have allowed private investors to acquire interests in some of FIFA’s most valuable tournament assets.
The idea emerged following the 2026 World Cup in North America and quickly faced opposition from sections of the football community.
Critics raised concerns about the potential effect of the plan on FIFA’s finances, governance and control over its major competitions.
UEFA became one of the most vocal opponents, with the European governing body reportedly warning that its member associations could take action if FIFA continued with the proposal.
FIFA eventually abandoned the plan, but the decision did not end the controversy surrounding how it was developed.
Instead, attention has now shifted towards whether the people behind the proposal could face legal consequences.
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UEFA alleges possible criminal mismanagement
According to the leaked legal documents, UEFA and other interested parties are preparing to bring criminal claims in Switzerland against Infantino and potentially other FIFA officials and advisers.
The allegations reportedly centre on possible criminal mismanagement under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code, alongside any other charges that could emerge from further investigation.
UEFA is also seeking documents relating to the structure, valuation, financing and marketing of the proposed transaction.
The European governing body reportedly argues that the plan could have caused direct harm to FIFA’s reputation, governance authority and commercial relationships.
It has also alleged that the proposal could have created an opportunity for Infantino and a small group around him to benefit from FIFA’s most valuable assets.
These are allegations contained in legal documents and have not been established as facts by a court.
FIFA defends Infantino
FIFA has strongly pushed back against the criticism surrounding its president.
In a statement, the organisation said Infantino “strongly denies” separate allegations that have recently been made against him, describing them as “categorically untrue”.
FIFA also accused some critics of attempting to undermine Infantino and the organisation through allegations, insinuation and misinformation.
The governing body argued that Infantino has spent more than three decades working in European and world football and has played a role in expanding access, resources and opportunities across the sport.
FIFA said it welcomes legitimate scrutiny but would challenge reporting that it considers inaccurate or misleading.
The organisation also maintained that its focus remains on its 211 member associations and the continued development of football around the world.
Legal battle could escalate
The latest development represents a significant escalation in the dispute between UEFA and FIFA’s leadership.
Although FIFA has already abandoned the controversial sell-off proposal, UEFA’s reported decision to seek documents from FIFA and financial institutions suggests the issue may not be over.
The information obtained could determine whether formal criminal proceedings are ultimately brought against Infantino or other individuals connected to the proposal.
For the FIFA president, the development adds another layer to growing scrutiny of his leadership.
For UEFA, it could become a test of whether the proposed transaction crossed the line from a controversial business strategy into conduct that warrants legal action.
For now, the allegations remain subject to investigation and any potential legal proceedings in Switzerland.
But with UEFA reportedly preparing to take the matter further, the abandoned World Cup sell-off plan could continue to haunt Infantino long after FIFA decided to scrap it.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
