FIFA accuses UEFA of misinformation campaign to influence presidency

FIFA has launched a direct attack on UEFA, accusing the European football governing body of waging a "misinformation campaign" to sway the outcome of its presidential election. The allegations, detailed in a legal filing in a U.S. court, center on the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project — a proposal to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors that collapsed amid internal and external opposition.

FIFA's Legal Challenge to UEFA's Discovery Request

In a filing submitted to the Southern District of Florida, FIFA's lawyers rejected UEFA's claims that the FFE project involved "criminal mismanagement" by President Gianni Infantino. The document, obtained by Sky News, states that UEFA's legal efforts to access documents related to the FFE scheme are "made in bad faith and for the purpose of harassment." FIFA asserts that UEFA's actions are part of a broader strategy to influence the March 2027 presidential election, which Infantino is seeking to win for a fourth term.

UEFA had previously requested permission to obtain testimony and documents from FIFA entities in Florida, including FWC2026 US, Inc, as part of a planned criminal complaint against Infantino in Switzerland. The European body alleged that the FFE proposal, which would have transferred World Cup rights into a subsidiary, was developed in secret and bypassed FIFA's standard governance processes. It also claimed the project undervalued FIFA's commercial assets, with investors reportedly offering $4.2 billion for a stake in the enterprise.

Dispute Over FFE's Financial Framework

FIFA countered that the FFE project was subject to approval by FIFA's member associations and Council, with oversight mechanisms in place. It emphasized that the "initial equity valuation" of $20 billion — defined as the value remaining after debts were settled, was not disputed. However, it argued that UEFA conflated equity value with "enterprise value," which includes the entire business worth. According to FIFA, the enterprise value exceeded $30 billion, far surpassing UEFA's claims of undervaluation.

The FFE scheme, which was abandoned in July 2026, faced opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation over concerns about transparency and consultation. The controversy has fueled calls for reforms to FIFA's governance structure, with Infantino recently proposing an independent review of decision-making processes to all 211 member associations.

Institutional Tensions and Election Implications

The conflict underscores deepening institutional rifts between FIFA and UEFA. While UEFA has withdrawn its support for Infantino, it has not yet nominated a rival candidate for the presidency, with the deadline for submissions set for November 18, 2026. FIFA's legal filing explicitly ties UEFA's actions to the election, stating that the "1782 Application" (and three others) was filed "just before FIFA's election" to "spread misinformation" about Infantino.

UEFA has not publicly responded to FIFA's allegations, but the dispute highlights the high stakes of the upcoming election. Infantino's re-election bid faces challenges from within FIFA, with some member associations reportedly critical of his leadership. The outcome could shape the future of global football governance, particularly as debates over transparency and accountability intensify.

The next critical development will be the U.S. court's ruling on UEFA's discovery request, which could determine whether the FFE dispute escalates further. Meanwhile, the broader institutional conflict between FIFA and UEFA reflects deeper tensions over governance, transparency, and the future direction of world football. As the March 2027 election approaches, the outcome of this legal and political battle may shape the trajectory of global football leadership for years to come.