FIFA has accused UEFA of spreading “misinformation” in its bid to obtain documents linked to President Gianni Infantino’s plan to commercialize parts of the World Cup.
FIFA made the claim in a court case in Florida. The world football body said UEFA’s demand for the documents could also influence next year’s FIFA presidential election.
Infantino sparked controversy in July after proposing a new commercial company to manage some of FIFA’s biggest events. These include the World Cup and the Club World Cup.
The plan came under the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative. It would have allowed private investors to buy stakes in the new company.
The proposal faced strong opposition from several quarters. FIFA later withdrew the plan following the backlash.
In its court filing, FIFA accused UEFA of making several false or misleading claims about Infantino and the organisation. FIFA rejected a claim that Infantino wanted to make personal financial gains from the proposed deal.
UEFA has yet to respond to FIFA’s latest allegations. The European football body has emerged as one of Infantino’s major critics and has called for changes in FIFA leadership.
FIFA confirmed this month that Infantino will seek another term as president. The election will take place in March next year.
Infantino has also promised to support increased funding for FIFA’s 211 member associations. In a recent letter, he said FIFA would provide the highest level of additional funding that it could responsibly afford.
The FIFA president also defended the withdrawn commercial plan. He said the proposal aimed to create more money for investment in football.
Infantino still has support from several football bodies and countries. Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 World Cup, has backed him. The Confederation of African Football and South American football body CONMEBOL have also expressed support.
