The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is reportedly gearing up to file criminal charges against FIFA President Gianni Infantino in connection with a controversial plan to sell portions of the World Cup to private investors. The information comes from legal documents obtained by Sky News, which reveal that UEFA has issued subpoenas to FIFA and the financial institutions involved, seeking documentation about the proposed transaction from U.S. authorities.
According to the filings, UEFA intends to bring the case before Swiss courts, the jurisdiction where FIFA’s headquarters are located. This step marks a significant escalation in UEFA’s strategy, moving beyond mere attempts to remove Infantino from his leadership role and targeting the alleged privatization scheme itself. A legal brief viewed by Sky News states: "UEFA and other interested parties are preparing to bring criminal claims in Switzerland against Infantino and possibly other FIFA officials and advisors for criminal mismanagement under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code and such further or alternative charges as the developed factual record may support, arising out of the secretive structuring, valuation, financing, and marketing of a transaction that inflicted direct and concrete injury on FIFA's reputation, governance authority, and commercial relationships to the detriment of FIFA as well as its 211 members, including UEFA's 55 member associations." The document underscores that the alleged scheme not only jeopardized the integrity of the sport’s governing bodies but also caused tangible harm to FIFA’s brand, its governance structure, and its commercial partnerships.
By allegedly attempting to commercialize a portion of the World Cup—an event traditionally owned and managed by the global football community—Infantino and his associates are accused of undermining the collective interests of the sport’s 211 national associations, of which UEFA represents 55. The legal action was initially filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
In that filing, UEFA named JP Morgan Bank as a defendant, along with the prospective lead investor Thrive Capital and its chief executive, Joshua Kushner. Kushner is notable for being the brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to former President Donald Trump’s daughter. By targeting these financial actors, UEFA aims to demonstrate that the alleged wrongdoing involved not only FIFA officials but also the private sector entities that would have facilitated the sale.
UEFA’s approach also includes leveraging the U.S. legal system to obtain evidence.
The organization has issued subpoenas to both FIFA and the banks involved, demanding the production of documents that could shed light on the valuation methods, financing arrangements, and marketing strategies employed in the proposed deal. The goal is to build a factual record that supports criminal charges under Swiss law, specifically Article 158, which deals with the misuse of official authority for personal gain. In parallel, UEFA is pursuing legal avenues in Miami, where FIFA’s legal department maintains a presence.
By filing complaints in multiple jurisdictions, UEFA hopes to exert pressure on FIFA’s leadership and to signal that any attempt to privatize the World Cup will be met with serious legal consequences. The broader context of this dispute reflects a long‑standing tension between FIFA and its continental confederations. UEFA, as the most powerful of the six confederations, has frequently clashed with FIFA over governance reforms, financial transparency, and the distribution of revenues from major tournaments.
Infantino’s tenure has been marked by attempts to modernize the sport’s commercial model, but critics argue that some of his initiatives—such as the proposed partial sale of World Cup rights—cross the line into the commercialization of a public good. If the criminal proceedings move forward, they could set a precedent for how football’s governing bodies are held accountable for financial decisions that affect the entire sport.
The charges could potentially lead to fines, bans from football administration, or even imprisonment for those found guilty under Swiss criminal law. Moreover, a conviction could force FIFA to abandon the privatization plan and to adopt stricter oversight mechanisms for future commercial ventures.
The situation also raises questions about the role of private capital in football. While investment from firms like JP Morgan and Thrive Capital can provide much‑needed funding for infrastructure and development projects, the involvement of such entities in the core assets of the sport—especially the World Cup—has sparked debate about the balance between profit motives and the sport’s public interest.
UEFA’s legal challenge may thus serve as a litmus test for how far private investors can go in influencing the governance of football’s most prestigious events. As the case unfolds, stakeholders across the football world—including national associations, clubs, players, and fans—will be watching closely. The outcome could reshape the power dynamics between FIFA and its member confederations, and it may influence future decisions about the commercialization of football’s flagship competitions.
In the meantime, UEFA continues to press its legal strategy, seeking both punitive and remedial measures against those it believes have acted against the sport’s best interests. The organization’s actions underscore a broader commitment to safeguarding football’s integrity, ensuring that any financial arrangements are transparent, accountable, and aligned with the collective goals of the global football community. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
Enter for free.