Fifa Accuses Uefa of Smear Campaign Amid Controversy Over World Cup Plans

Fifa has accused Uefa of launching a smear campaign against its leadership following the abandonment of a proposal by Fifa president Gianni Infantino to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

Uefa recently filed legal documents in the US seeking evidence from Fifa as part of potential criminal claims in Switzerland, escalating the dispute. Uefa has alleged that Infantino engaged in criminal mismanagement and promoted a fraudulent price for personal gain concerning the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme.

In response, Fifa has filed court documents in the US, asserting that Uefa's claims are fundamentally flawed and legally deficient. Fifa emphasized that the FFE was merely a proposal contingent on support from member associations and necessary approvals. It accused Uefa of attempting to undermine smaller football nations to maintain its market dominance. Uefa has also sought documents from Joshua Kushner, who was involved in the investment discussions for FFE, and has expressed regret over the political ramifications of the initiative.