UEFA Threatens Legal Action Over Dropped FIFA Investment Plan
UEFA has warned FIFA that it may pursue legal steps after Gianni Infantino abandoned a plan to sell minority shares in FIFA’s premier tournaments to private investors.
The move adds to growing criticism of Infantino’s leadership from football bodies across Europe, North and Central America, and the Caribbean.
The English Football Association is expected to retract its earlier backing of the proposal, while Wales has become the first national association to publicly withdraw support for Infantino’s bid for another FIFA presidential term.
According to reports, UEFA told Infantino it is “actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints” concerning the FFE plan put forward by FIFA.
UEFA also demanded that FIFA preserve all records related to the proposal, including emails, instant messages, SMS, written correspondence, meeting notes, and any communications involving FIFA officials, member associations, broadcasters, sponsors, and financial institutions.
The European governing body asked for immediate steps to locate and safeguard all relevant documents, noting that these duties override any routine data‑destruction policies.
Infantino had previously written to all 211 FIFA member associations, offering each federation $40 million if they backed the initiative, with an initial $20 million payment due by 19 September for those seeking early funds.
The American venture‑capital firm Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, was slated to lead the investor consortium behind the FFE proposal.
UEFA’s preservation request also covers documents linked to the payment structure offered to member associations, such as the legal basis, financial models, approval process, and related correspondence.
UEFA has asked Infantino to confirm receipt of the letter within five business days and to verify that all pertinent materials have been securely retained.
