FIFA has accused European football chiefs of “bullying” Gianni Infantino and trying to influence the presidential election by “spreading disinformation” against him over the World Cup bid.
The claims were made in a court filing in Miami by FIFA, which was obtained by Sky Newsseeking to block UEFA’s request for all evidence relating to the attempt to sell shares in the World Cup to private investorsalso known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal,
FIFA’s lawyers wrote: “UEFA’s conduct shows that its application was made in bad faith and with intent to harass.”
UEFA has requested all documents on the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme, saying it could pursue a case against Mr. Infantino for criminal mismanagement, alleging that he undersold the tours for personal financial gain.
But FIFA’s lawyers wrote: “Without any basis, UEFA suggests that Mr Infantino sought to personally benefit from the FFE proposal.”
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Kaveh Solhekol reports on FA president Debbie Hewitt writing to FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the World Cup sale plan and the Balogun controversy.
The crisis erupted before the offer of Mr. Infantino up for re-election in March 2027 with UEFA withdrawing its support but yet to nominate a rival candidate before the deadline in November.
FIFA’s legal submission states: “Shortly before the FIFA elections, UEFA filed this claim (and three others) spreading misinformation about Mr. Infantino. This court must reject any attempt to influence the FIFA presidential election based on these grounds.”
UEFA has said it has lost confidence in Infantino despite the FFE’s abandonment and is looking to field a credible alternative candidate to challenge him in next year’s presidential election.
FIFA’s filing questions the timing of UEFA’s legal application, noting that the deadline for candidates to submit is November 18.
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Sky Sports Chief Correspondent Kaveh Solhekol explains why the Premier League has joined three of Europe’s other major counterparts in calling for FIFA reform against Gianni Infantino.
“This court must reject any attempt to influence the FIFA presidential election based on these grounds,” the filing states.
Infantino will run for a fourth term in March 2027, with opponents now looking to find an alternative candidate.