FIFA Accuses UEFA of Launching Disinformation Campaign

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has accused the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) of launching a “disinformation campaign” as part of its efforts to obtain documents related to Gianni Infantino’s aborted plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.

In its response, filed in a case pending before a court in Florida, FIFA stated that UEFA’s attempt to compel the global governing body to hand over these documents also constitutes an effort to “influence” the upcoming FIFA presidential election scheduled for next year.

The plan would have allowed private investors to acquire shares in a company to be established under the “FIFA Forward Enterprise” initiative. However, following a wave of negative reactions, the proposals were quickly withdrawn.

In its complaint, FIFA alleges that UEFA has made “numerous false or misleading statements” about Infantino and the international governing body, including the claim that “Infantino sought to achieve personal gain from the (FIFA Forward Enterprise) proposal.” UEFA, which includes World Cup champions Spain and other major footballing powers such as France, England, and Germany, is leading an opposition front against Infantino, publicly demanding his removal.

FIFA confirmed this month that Infantino will run again for the organization’s presidency in the elections scheduled for March next year, despite the criticism sparked by his investment plan, which was later abandoned.