UEFA is looking into possible criminal actions against Gianni Infantino after a legal document was leaked.
A leaked legal document has revealed that UEFA is getting ready to take legal action against Gianni Infantino over his controversial plan to sell shares in the World Cup.
After the 2026 World Cup in North America, a plan came to light, led by FIFA president Infantino, to sell shares in major tournaments like the World Cup to private investors. This idea upset many fans, experts, and FIFA’s member countries, with several nations openly expressing their anger and disappointment.
UEFA, the main football organization in Europe, was one of the strongest opponents. They announced that all their member countries, including England, would boycott FIFA events unless the plan was canceled and guarantees were given that it wouldn’t return.
Eventually, FIFA said they would not go ahead with the share-selling idea, but that didn’t stop calls for Infantino to step down or be removed as FIFA boss.
Now, it looks like UEFA is taking things even further. A new legal document shared by Sky News shows that UEFA is preparing to file criminal charges against Infantino over the plan. They’ve subpoenaed FIFA and the US financial institutions involved to get documents about the proposal. After gathering the information, the case would be opened in Switzerland, where FIFA is based.
The document says UEFA and others might bring criminal claims against Infantino and possibly other FIFA officials for mishandling the situation. It points out that the secret way the deal was planned hurt FIFA’s reputation, its authority, and its business relations, affecting FIFA and its 211 members, including UEFA’s 55 associations.
UEFA also said the plan seemed like a way for Infantino and a small group to gain a lasting stake and profit from FIFA’s most valuable assets, which was harmful to FIFA, its members, and the football community.
Meanwhile, FIFA has defended Infantino amid the criticism he faced after the plan was dropped. They denied rumors of an affair during his time as UEFA’s general secretary, calling these claims false.
FIFA said: “There’s a clear effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President. Those without support in FIFA shouldn’t try to achieve goals through rumors or false reports instead of following FIFA’s democratic process.”
They added: “Infantino has spent over 30 years working hard for football, helping bring important changes and creating opportunities worldwide. Change can upset some groups, but that’s no reason to try to damage the President or FIFA’s credibility. Legitimate questions are welcome, but spreading false information is not.”
FIFA finished by saying they remain focused on supporting their members and growing football globally. They won’t be distracted, and they are more determined than ever to keep working toward their goals.