Brief
FIFA files Florida court case against UEFA over Infantino investment plan
FIFA lawyers have filed a 21‑page motion in the Southern District of Florida seeking to deny UEFA’s discovery request linked to the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.
By Felo News Desk · Published
FIFA lawyers filed a 21‑page motion in the Southern District of Florida on Monday, urging a judge to deny UEFA’s request for discovery over a World Cup investment plan that has drawn criticism across the sport. The filing, seen by The Associated Press, claims UEFA is harassing FIFA president Gianni Infantino and that the European body’s brief contains false or misleading statements about the president and the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
In the motion, FIFA said UEFA suggested Infantino sought to profit personally from the FFE plan, a claim FIFA disputes. FIFA explained that the FFE proposal was subject to approval by both FIFA member associations and the FIFA Council, and that oversight would have been provided by both groups.
UEFA had previously requested a U.S. federal court’s permission to obtain testimony and documents for a planned criminal complaint in Switzerland against Infantino over the abandoned plan to transfer World Cup commercial rights into a subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise. FIFA’s response, filed in the same court, accused UEFA of a “misinformation campaign” aimed at influencing the upcoming presidential election in which Infantino is seeking a fourth term.
Both sides are embroiled in a broader governance crisis. Earlier this month, FIFA’s global players’ union Fifpro called for an independent review of the FFE plan, while UEFA and CONCACAF have demanded a $10 million payout to each of FIFA’s 211 member associations. The dispute has intensified as Infantino faces legal challenges from several continental confederations and a looming March election with no clear challenger.
Key facts
- FIFA filed a 21‑page motion in the Southern District of Florida on Monday (winnipegfreepress.com)
- FIFA alleges UEFA is harassing Infantino and making false claims about the FFE plan (winnipegfreepress.com)
- UEFA requested discovery to support a criminal complaint in Switzerland against Infantino (aljazeera.com)
- FIFA accused UEFA of a misinformation campaign aimed at influencing the presidential election (aljazeera.com)
Background
The dispute stems from FIFA’s controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which aimed to sell a 20% stake in a commercial entity to private investors. UEFA rejected the plan and threatened boycotts, while FIFA pledged to review the process. The conflict has escalated with legal actions and calls for independent audits from confederations and the players’ union.
Timeline
- 2026-09-14 — Fifpro calls for independent review of FIFA’s FFE plan
- 2026-09-17 — FA chair demands FIFA release World Cup sell‑off documents
- 2026-09-22 — Infantino seeks a controversial fourth term as FIFA president
- 2026-09-25 — UEFA and CONCACAF demand $10m payout to FIFA members
- 2026-09-29 — FIFA files Florida court case against UEFA
Why it matters
The legal battle reflects deep governance tensions within world football and could influence the outcome of FIFA’s upcoming presidential election.
What happens next
A Florida judge will decide whether to grant FIFA’s motion to deny UEFA’s discovery request. The case may affect the timing and conduct of the March FIFA congress where Infantino’s re‑election will be decided.
