UEFA prepares for potential criminal case involving Infantino, seeks information in US

Staff Report | PNN

The long-running tensions between FIFA and UEFA have taken a new turn. UEFA has launched an effort to obtain important documents and information from the United States as part of preparations for a possible criminal case in Switzerland involving FIFA President Gianni Infantino. However, two US-based affiliates of FIFA have attempted to intervene in court proceedings to block the information-gathering process, a move opposed by European football’s governing body.

In a response filed with a federal court in Manhattan, UEFA argued that FIFA Americas Inc and FWC 2026 US Inc were essentially attempting to take legal action to protect the interests of FIFA and Infantino. However, neither FIFA nor Infantino themselves have applied to become parties to the relevant case.

At the center of the dispute is Infantino’s proposed and subsequently abandoned “FIFA Forward Enterprise” plan. The proposal had opened the possibility of transferring long-term or permanent portions of the commercial and operating rights associated with FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.

UEFA claims that important information regarding the discussions and financial structure behind the plan may be held by some US-based organizations. For this reason, UEFA has initiated the process of obtaining information under Section 1782 of Title 28 of the United States Code.

As part of the process, documents and testimony have been sought from New York-based investment firm Thrive Capital Management and its founder, Joshua Kushner. UEFA believes they may possess important information concerning the “FIFA Forward Enterprise” plan.

UEFA’s effort to obtain the information is reportedly part of preparations for a potentially larger legal action. Reports indicate that the European organization is considering the possibility of filing criminal allegations against Infantino in Switzerland. The basis of a potential case could involve allegations of criminal mismanagement. Several other FIFA officials could potentially be included alongside Infantino.

However, importantly, no criminal complaint or charges have so far been filed against Infantino or FIFA. Infantino has also denied any wrongdoing.

As a result, it remains uncertain whether the documents and testimony sought by UEFA from the United States will ultimately be used in any legal action in Switzerland or whether they will lead to a criminal case. Nevertheless, it is clear that the initiative has taken the dispute between two of world football’s most influential organizations into a new legal phase.