FIFA Slams UEFA's 'Misinformation' Tactics Over World Cup Commercial Documents

The global football governing body, FIFA, has accused its European counterpart, UEFA, of orchestrating a "misinformation" campaign. This accusation comes amidst UEFA's persistent efforts to compel the release of documents concerning FIFA President Gianni Infantino's abandoned initiative to offload commercial stakes in the World Cup.

In a formal response lodged with a Florida court, FIFA contended that UEFA's attempt to force the world body to disclose these records also constitutes an endeavor to "influence" the upcoming FIFA presidential election scheduled for next year.

Infantino had ignited a significant controversy in July after proposing the establishment of a commercial subsidiary. This entity was intended to oversee some of the organization's most prominent events, including the World Cup and the Club World Cup.

The proposal envisioned private investors acquiring stakes in a company that would be established through the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. However, the plan was swiftly shelved following the widespread backlash it generated.

In its court submission, FIFA further accused UEFA of making "numerous false or misleading statements" regarding both Infantino and the global governing body. It specifically refuted the claim that "Infantino sought to profit personally from the FFE proposal."

AFP has reached out to UEFA for their comments on FIFA's allegations. UEFA, which represents major footballing nations such as current World Cup holders Spain, alongside France, England, and Germany, has emerged as a prominent critic of Infantino, openly advocating for his removal from office.

Despite the controversy surrounding his now-withdrawn private investment proposal, FIFA confirmed earlier this month that Infantino will be seeking another term as president in the March election.

This week, Infantino dispatched a letter to FIFA's 211 member associations, indicating that a larger share of the organization's financial reserves could potentially be distributed among its members. In the letter, which was seen by AFP, Infantino stated his commitment to supporting "the greatest level of additional funding that can responsibly be delivered."

He also maintained that the proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup's commercial rights, which has since been retracted, was originally designed to generate additional funding for football development globally.