According to an international news agency, FIFA has accused UEFA of running a ‘smear campaign’ against the organization and President Gianni Infantino in documents submitted to a US court. The main reason for the dispute is a proposed project related to FIFA’s commercial rights, which was presented in the name of FIFA Forward Enterprise. It was proposed to manage the commercial rights related to the men’s and women’s World Cups through this entity, but after opposition from UEFA and other regional organizations, the project was withdrawn on July 31.
UEFA has tried to obtain documents and testimony from the United States for possible Swiss criminal proceedings against Infantino and other FIFA officials.
FIFA maintains that UEFA tried to thwart the project from the beginning, while UEFA has called for reforms in FIFA and limits on presidential powers.
Infantino is seeking to run for a fourth term in March 2027, but is facing pressure from three confederations.