FIFA Accuses UEFA of Smear Campaign Over Infantino’s World Cup Plan

FIFA has called out UEFA for what it calls a “smear campaign” aimed at damaging FIFA and its leaders. This comes after UEFA filed requests in three U.S. courts seeking documents related to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments.

In court filings, FIFA argued that UEFA’s actions were not genuine legal efforts but rather attempts to influence public opinion against them. The organization also asked the court to delay or stop the discovery process, which it described as a “press release” meant to support UEFA’s smear campaign.

One of UEFA’s requests targeted Josh Kushner and his investment firm, Thrive Capital Management. Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to U.S. President Donald Trump. Thrive had been involved in FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a plan to sell World Cup stakes to private equity firms for $4.2 billion. The proposal was withdrawn in August after facing strong opposition.

In a statement, Kushner defended the FFE’s goals but admitted he didn’t expect the backlash. He said Thrive had always aimed to work with all parties fairly and would not have gotten involved if they had known how things would unfold.

UEFA has also hinted at preparing a criminal complaint against Infantino in Switzerland for potential financial mismanagement. The organization claims the World Cup plan was designed to benefit a small group, including Infantino, at the expense of FIFA and its members.

FIFA countered by saying UEFA lacked authority to bring such charges and accused it of pressuring European football federations to oppose Infantino’s proposal.