The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is reportedly gearing up to file criminal charges against FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, over a controversial effort to sell portions of the World Cup to private investors. This information emerges from legal paperwork that Sky News obtained, which indicates that UEFA has issued subpoenas to FIFA and the financial firms involved, seeking documents from the United States that pertain to the proposed transaction.
According to the filings, the intended lawsuit will be filed in Switzerland, the country that houses FIFA’s headquarters. By taking this step, UEFA appears to be moving beyond a mere campaign to remove Infantino from his leadership role; it is aiming to hold him accountable for what it describes as a serious breach of fiduciary duty and a potential criminal offense. A document reviewed 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." In plain language, UEFA alleges that the secretive manner in which the deal was arranged – from how it was valued to how it was financed and marketed – caused real harm to FIFA’s standing, its governance structures, and its commercial partnerships, ultimately damaging the organization and all of its member associations. The legal strategy involves a parallel filing in the United States.
UEFA has lodged an application in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York targeting JP Morgan Bank, which acted as a financial intermediary, as well as Thrive Capital, the lead investor in the scheme, and its chief executive, Joshua Kushner. Joshua Kushner is notably the brother of Jared Kushner, the son‑in‑law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, adding a political dimension to the case.
By initiating proceedings in New York, UEFA hopes to compel the production of documents and testimony that could illuminate the financial mechanics of the proposed sale. The organization also plans to pursue action in Miami, where FIFA’s legal department is based, thereby creating a multi‑jurisdictional pressure campaign designed to uncover the full extent of the alleged misconduct.
The background to this dispute lies in Infantino’s push to partially privatize the World Cup, an idea that many within the football community view as a departure from the sport’s traditional governance model. Critics argue that selling stakes in the tournament could open the door to commercial exploitation, undermine the democratic principles of the sport’s governing bodies, and concentrate profit‑making power in the hands of a few private investors.
UEFA’s move to file criminal claims signals a significant escalation. While previous attempts to unseat Infantino have largely focused on political and administrative pressure, the current approach invokes criminal law, specifically Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code, which deals with mismanagement and breaches of duty by persons in positions of authority.
If UEFA’s allegations are substantiated, the consequences could range from fines and restitution to potential imprisonment for those found guilty. The legal documents also suggest that UEFA is not acting alone.
The phrase "other interested parties" hints at a coalition of national associations, clubs, and perhaps even sponsors who share concerns about the integrity of the World Cup’s commercial framework. By presenting a united front, UEFA hopes to strengthen its case and demonstrate that the alleged wrongdoing has broad repercussions across the football ecosystem.
Beyond the immediate legal ramifications, the case raises fundamental questions about the future governance of global football. Should the sport’s flagship tournament be treated as a public good, managed by a collective of member associations, or is there room for private investment that could bring additional capital and innovation? The outcome of UEFA’s legal action could set a precedent that influences how future tournaments are financed, marketed, and regulated.
In addition to the legal filings, UEFA has launched a public awareness campaign to inform fans, sponsors, and stakeholders about the potential risks associated with the privatization plan. The organization argues that transparency and accountability are essential to preserving the sport’s credibility and ensuring that the World Cup remains a unifying event rather than a commercial venture driven by private profit motives. While the case is still in its early stages, the involvement of high‑profile financial institutions and investors underscores the complexity of the issue. JP Morgan’s role as a banking partner and Thrive Capital’s position as the primary investor mean that any settlement or judgment could have significant financial implications for the parties involved.
As the legal battles unfold in New York, Miami, and ultimately Switzerland, the football world will be watching closely. The outcome could reshape the balance of power between FIFA, its member associations, and private capital, potentially redefining how the sport’s most lucrative event is governed for years to come. In the meantime, UEFA continues to press its case, urging courts to consider the broader impact of the alleged misconduct on the sport’s integrity, its global fan base, and the myriad organizations that rely on the World Cup’s reputation and revenue streams. The organization’s determination to pursue criminal charges reflects a growing willingness within the football community to hold leaders accountable through the full force of the law.
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