UEFA prepares disciplinary proceedings against FIFA President Infantino over failed investment deal

UEFA is initiating disciplinary proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over a failed plan to sell future World Cup revenues to private investors. The European football governing body is seeking documents from a U.S. District Court in Florida, alleging potential financial misconduct in the collapsed deal.

The dispute centers on Infantino's July announcement to sell stakes in FIFA's commercial rights to investors. The proposed deal, which aimed to sell shares in a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), valued at an initial $20 billion, reportedly involved New York-based investment fund Thrive Capital Management, founded by Joshua Kushner, as the main investor.

UEFA claims Infantino secretly developed this proposal with a small group of advisors and investors, bypassing FIFA's usual decision-making channels and failing to consult the FIFA Council, regional confederations, or member associations. This move has prompted UEFA to prepare to file criminal charges in Switzerland against Infantino and potentially other FIFA officials for criminal mismanagement.

Following the revelation of the now-withdrawn plans, FIFA's 55 member associations had threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions. UEFA also threatened legal action, highlighting the significant backlash against Infantino's controversial proposal.

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UEFA is preparing to file criminal charges against Infantino and possibly other FIFA officials and advisors for criminal mismanagement.