UEFA Prepares Criminal Complaint Against FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Swiss Courts
European football's governing body launched a legal process regarding misconduct allegations against Infantino by requesting evidence gathering in US courts.
UEFA is preparing to file a criminal complaint in Swiss courts against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over a canceled plan to sell World Cup revenues to private investors for $4.2 billion.
Search for Evidence in US Courts
UEFA petitioned US courts to obtain potential evidence from New York-based investment fund Thrive Capital Management and FIFA's Miami offices.
Court documents stated that Thrive Capital, founded by Josh Kushner, planned to pay $4.2 billion for a 20 percent stake in a new company that would manage FIFA's commercial operations.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Undervaluation
UEFA lawyers allege that the $4.2 billion offer may be a fraudulent price significantly below market value, set by Infantino in pursuit of his own interests.
The statement questions why external investors were needed when FIFA is expected to generate record revenues of $15 billion for the 2023-2026 period and reach cash reserves of $5 billion.
Pre-Election Political Crisis
The plan, which was withdrawn on August 1 following backlash, has increased pressure on Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election in March 2027.
UEFA announced that if Infantino runs again, it will cooperate with other confederations to field an alternative candidate advocating for integrity and transparency.