FIFA accused UEFA of conducting a “smear campaign” against President Gianni Infantino in a US court filing, escalating their dispute over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.
UEFA previously asked the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York for permission to obtain testimony and documents from U.S.-Based entities in connection with possible criminal proceedings in Switzerland against Infantino and other FIFA officials. UEFA said the contemplated case concerns the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE.
In a September 1 motion by FIFA (AMERICAS) Inc. and FWC2026 US, Inc., FIFA asked the court to defer a decision or allow it to oppose UEFA’s application. FIFA argued that UEFA was seeking evidence for what it called “purportedly contemplated (but non-existent)” Swiss proceedings.
UEFA alleges the FFE plan was developed without adequate consultation with FIFA’s Council, confederations and 211 member associations. The proposed entity would have managed commercial rights connected to competitions including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
Read: UEFA Boycott Threat Stays After FIFA Drops $4.2bn Plan
FIFA has rejected that account. Before abandoning the project, the governing body said FFE remained subject to consultation and approval and was intended to increase funding for football development worldwide. Infantino withdrew the proposal on July 31, saying divisions surrounding it meant the project would not proceed.
The confrontation comes as Infantino prepares to seek another term at the March 2027 FIFA election. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have discussed a possible no-confidence move, while UEFA has pledged to pursue legal and institutional avenues for FIFA governance reforms.
