NYON: UEFA is reportedly considering legal action against FIFA president Gianni Infantino following the collapse of a controversial proposal to establish a $20 billion World Cup investment vehicle, escalating tensions between world football’s two most powerful governing bodies.
According to reports, UEFA has instructed Infantino and several FIFA officials to preserve documents that could become evidence in potential legal proceedings.
UEFA demands preservation of records
A document preservation letter has reportedly been sent to Gianni Infantino and 18 FIFA executives, directing them to retain all documents, emails, electronic communications and other records linked to the proposed investment plan.
The request also reportedly covers entities associated with the proposal, including Joshua Kushner’s investment firm, JP Morgan, and Open Economics.
The move is viewed as a preliminary legal step that could precede formal litigation.
What was the proposed World Cup plan?
The controversy emerged after reports claimed FIFA was planning to create a $20 billion commercial subsidiary that would sell minority stakes in the future commercial revenues generated by the FIFA World Cup to private investors.
Under the reported proposal:
- FIFA would establish a new commercial entity valued at $20 billion.
- Private investors would purchase minority stakes in future World Cup revenues.
- Each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would reportedly receive a one-time payment of $20 million if they approved the proposal.
The plan immediately sparked criticism from football associations and governing bodies worldwide.
FIFA’s $20 billion World Cup investment plan explained: What fans need to know
Proposal withdrawn after backlash
According to the reports, Infantino abandoned the proposal after facing widespread opposition from football federations, senior officials and stakeholders.
The reported backlash included criticism from European football authorities and the resignation of one of Infantino’s senior advisers.
The controversy has also fuelled debate over FIFA’s governance and commercial strategy.
Infantino’s future under scrutiny
The controversy has cast uncertainty over Infantino’s expected bid for another term as FIFA president in 2027.
Reports suggest some national football associations have withdrawn their support, while UEFA has indicated that confidence in FIFA’s leadership has been damaged.
The Football Association of Wales is among those reported to have rescinded its backing for Infantino’s re-election campaign.
