FIFA has accused UEFA of running a “misinformation” campaign over documents linked to a proposed World Cup commercial plan. The dispute has added tension between football’s two major governing bodies. FIFA made the claim in a court case in Florida. The organisation is opposing UEFA’s effort to obtain documents connected to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plan. UEFA is seeking access to papers related to the proposal. The dispute centres on the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The plan aimed to create a commercial company for FIFA’s major competitions. These events included the World Cup and Club World Cup. Under the proposal, private investors could have bought stakes in the new company. The plan faced strong criticism after it became public. FIFA later shelved the proposal.
FIFA now says UEFA has made several false or misleading statements. It also rejected claims that Infantino wanted to personally benefit from the FFE proposal. The FIFA accuses UEFA of ‘misinformation’ campaign in bid for World Cup papers dispute also has an election angle. FIFA says UEFA’s legal action could influence next year’s presidential election. UEFA has been among the strongest critics of Infantino. The European football body has openly called for his removal. FIFA confirmed this month that Infantino will seek another term as president.
The election is scheduled for next March. The dispute over the abandoned commercial proposal has therefore become part of a wider leadership battle. Infantino has defended the original proposal. He said the plan was intended to generate additional funds for football. He also argued that FIFA could use the extra revenue to increase investment in the sport. In a recent letter to FIFA’s 211 member associations, Infantino also backed additional funding. He said the organisation should provide the highest responsible level of extra financial support.
FIFA’s response comes as UEFA continues its efforts to obtain documents about the proposal. The legal case could provide more details about the discussions surrounding the FFE. The disagreement also highlights tensions over FIFA’s commercial strategy. The World Cup remains the organisation’s biggest event and a major source of revenue. UEFA represents many of the world’s leading football nations. Spain, France, England and Germany are among its members. Spain are also the current World Cup holders.
Infantino still has support from several football bodies. Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2034 World Cup, backed him last month. African football’s governing body CAF and South American body CONMEBOL have also supported him. Story remains focused on the legal dispute and FIFA’s response. Further court proceedings could clarify what documents UEFA is seeking and why.
For now, FIFA maintains that UEFA’s claims are misleading. UEFA’s legal effort shows that questions about the abandoned commercial plan remain unresolved.
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