FIFA accuses UEFA of ‘smear campaign’ over Infantino, World Cup plan

UEFA seeks US testimony and documents for possible legal action; FIFA asks US court to defer or let it oppose UEFA’s request.FIFA has accused UEFA of a “smear campaign” and a “fishing expedition” after European football’s governing body asked United States judges to force FIFA to hand over documents related to its failed World Cup investor plan.Global football body FIFA’s divisive plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to investors, unveiled in July, triggered a huge backlash across the sport, with UEFA threatening to boycott the World Cup unless the plan was scrapped.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Eto’o calls on African football federations to support FIFA chief Infantinolist 2 of 4Summer transfers 2026: All to know as Premier League signings break recordslist 3 of 4Cricketers to get best rooms at Asian Games 2026, says Japanese officiallist 4 of 4Tyson Fury confirms Anthony Joshua fight at NYC’s Madison Square Gardenend of listWhile FIFA quickly aborted the plans in response to the backlash, UEFA is now preparing possible legal action against FIFA President Gianni Infantino for alleged “criminal mismanagement”.Last week, it filed requests in three US states seeking the disclosure of documents related to the plan from FIFA and partners, including prospective lead investor Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Capital firm.If successful in gaining access to the documents, UEFA had said it intends to lodge a legal complaint in Switzerland, saying it has been assured the case would meet the requirements to be heard in a Swiss court.But FIFA has hit back, asking US judges for permission to contest the UEFA requests.“While these applications are styled as legal pleadings with captions and docket numbers, they are little more than press releases in further support of UEFA’s smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership,” say the FIFA filings.The filings say UEFA does not have the right to demand FIFA internal documents because no criminal proceedings yet exist in Switzerland or elsewhere.