FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a UEFA legal case accusing him and the global football body of “criminal mismanagement” over a failed plan to sell the World Cup. The lawsuit alleges an undervaluing in the proposed sale, a scheme from which Infantino reportedly stood to gain a significant personal salary.
The legal action, initiated by UEFA, targets the beleaguered FIFA president, who has been under scrutiny for nearly six weeks since details of his plan to sell shared global property for personal gain first emerged. The core of the accusation revolves around the alleged financial impropriety in the sale attempt.
The battle for discovery and key players
A central element of UEFA’s strategy is to push for discovery in Florida, which would compel the sharing of crucial documents, ranging from internal memos to emails. Among those named as a party to discovery is Josh Kushner, described as the “money guy” behind what UEFA terms the “Fifa Forward fiasco.” Kushner, who has since hired lawyer Alex Spiro, reportedly stated he “would not have gotten involved” with FIFA’s plans had he known the full picture. UEFA is also seeking discovery from Thrive Capital and Greg Maffei, a Trump donor and deal adviser.
FIFA, however, is vehemently resisting these efforts, filing a counter-motion that dismisses the entire episode as a “smear campaign.” The organisation has expressed an urgent intention to resist discovery, framing the accusations as politically motivated.
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Shifting political sands and qualified backing
Adding to Infantino’s challenges is the perceived evaporation of support from former US President Donald Trump. While Trump had “Truth Socialed” assurances for Infantino in early August, stating “If for any reason” Fifa got rid of Infantino, well, this would be really bad,” his backing is now seen as diminishing. This shift aligns with a pattern in Trumpian politics, often characterized by a lack of enduring loyalty and a focus on a “cold, hard matrix of winners and losers,” as noted by The Guardian, which has published lists of Trump’s former allies who later faced negative consequences.
As Infantino navigates these legal and political pressures, the upcoming FIFA congress in November looms large. Saudi Arabia has offered “qualified backing” to Infantino, stating their support “at this time,” a phrasing that suggests a degree of reservation rather than unequivocal endorsement.
UEFA’s lawsuit is widely regarded as an “expert chess move,” potentially designed not for an outright legal victory but to create a “zugzwang” situation for Infantino, forcing him into a difficult position with no good options. The unfolding drama draws parallels to the downfalls of former football officials Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, suggesting a turbulent period ahead for FIFA’s leadership.
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