UEFA is asking U.S. courts for testimony and documents as it prepares what it says could become a criminal complaint in Switzerland against FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The requests target FIFA-related entities in the United States, as UEFA builds its case over an abandoned “FIFA Forward Enterprise” plan to transfer or sell aspects of the World Cup’s commercial rights. UEFA says the proposal undervalues FIFA’s assets and was developed secretly, and it wants evidence to support proceedings in Switzerland.
Several outlets report that UEFA has filed for discovery in courts in multiple U.S. jurisdictions, including Florida and New York, and has also sought discovery from partners and investors linked to the proposal. FIFA responds by contesting UEFA’s requests, describing them as a “smear campaign” and “fishing expedition,” and arguing that no criminal proceedings have been initiated and UEFA lacks standing. FIFA also argues UEFA is bypassing Swiss courts by applying directly to U.S. courts.
The dispute follows the World Cup investor plan’s public backlash in July and its subsequent cancellation. UEFA’s legal pressure comes as Infantino faces FIFA’s 2027 presidential election, with some reporting that regional confederations are aligned differently on the leadership question. While UEFA frames the steps as part of potential criminal action, FIFA frames them as improper and premature.
