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 proposal to sell portions of World Cup rights to private investors. According to legal documents obtained by Sky News, UEFA has issued subpoenas to FIFA and several financial institutions operating in the United States, demanding the production of records that illuminate the structure, valuation, financing and marketing of the proposed transaction.
The intended legal proceedings are set to take place in Switzerland, the jurisdiction where FIFA’s headquarters are located. By pursuing criminal liability, UEFA appears to be moving beyond the more familiar political maneuver of attempting to unseat Infantino; it is now seeking to hold him and possibly other senior FIFA figures accountable for what it characterises as serious mismanagement. A court filing viewed by Sky News quotes UEFA’s legal team as stating: "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." This language underscores the gravity of the allegations, suggesting that the deal not only jeopardised FIFA’s brand and governance but also caused tangible harm to the organisation’s commercial partnerships and to the national associations that depend on FIFA’s stability.
The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. It targets JP Morgan Bank, which acted as a financial adviser on the deal, as well as the prospective lead investor, Thrive Capital, and its chief executive Joshua Kushner.
Kushner is notably the brother of Jared Kushner, former senior adviser to President Donald Trump and the president’s son‑in‑law, adding a layer of political intrigue to the case. UEFA’s strategy also involves leveraging the U.S. legal system to exert pressure on FIFA’s legal team, which is based in Miami.
By initiating parallel actions in New York and potentially in Switzerland, UEFA hopes to create a multi‑jurisdictional front that could compel FIFA to abandon the privatization plan and possibly lead to internal reforms. The background to this dispute dates back to early 2023, when Infantino floated the idea of selling a share of the commercial rights to the World Cup to private capital. Proponents argued that such a move could inject fresh capital into the sport, fund development projects, and modernise FIFA’s revenue model.
Critics, however, warned that handing over a portion of the tournament’s lucrative broadcasting and sponsorship rights to private investors could undermine the governing body’s control, erode transparency, and create conflicts of interest. According to insiders, the proposed transaction involved a complex web of offshore entities and valuation methods that were not disclosed to FIFA’s member associations.
UEFA alleges that the secrecy surrounding the deal prevented the 55 European national associations—its own members—from scrutinising the terms, thereby violating the principles of good governance enshrined in FIFA’s statutes. If UEFA’s allegations are proven, they could trigger a cascade of consequences. Under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code, criminal mismanagement can result in fines, imprisonment, or both for individuals found guilty. Moreover, the reputational damage to FIFA could be severe, potentially affecting future sponsorship contracts, broadcasting agreements, and the overall trust of fans and stakeholders.
The case also raises broader questions about the balance of power within world football. UEFA, as the most influential continental confederation, has long been at odds with FIFA over issues ranging from tournament scheduling to revenue sharing. By taking a legal approach, UEFA is signalling that it is willing to use the courts to assert its position, rather than relying solely on diplomatic or political pressure. Legal experts note that the outcome will hinge on the ability of UEFA to demonstrate concrete financial loss or reputational harm directly linked to the proposed sale.
They also point out that the involvement of high‑profile financial actors like JP Morgan and Thrive Capital could attract additional scrutiny from regulators in both the United States and Switzerland. While the filing mentions the possibility of additional or alternative charges, the exact nature of those charges has not been disclosed.
Potential accusations could include breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, or violations of anti‑money‑laundering regulations, all of which carry significant penalties. The timing of the lawsuit is also noteworthy. It arrives at a moment when FIFA is preparing for the next World Cup cycle, with bidding processes and commercial negotiations already underway.
Any legal entanglements could complicate those efforts and force FIFA to reconsider its strategic direction. In the meantime, UEFA has urged its member associations to stay informed and to support the legal action, emphasizing that the integrity of world football depends on transparent and accountable governance.
The organisation has also called on sponsors and broadcasters to monitor the situation closely, as any adverse ruling could affect existing contracts. The case is still in its early stages, and no court has yet rendered a decision.
However, the fact that UEFA is willing to pursue criminal proceedings in multiple jurisdictions underscores the seriousness with which it views the alleged misconduct. As the legal battle unfolds, the football world will be watching closely to see whether the claims hold water and what the ultimate impact on FIFA’s leadership and its commercial model will be. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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