UEFA Threatens FIFA Boss Infantino with Legal Action Over Failed Investor Deal

The European football governing body, UEFA, is escalating its dispute with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, threatening legal action over a collapsed investor deal. Reports indicate UEFA has formally notified Infantino and FIFA that it is actively exploring legal proceedings, arbitration, and potential complaints to regulatory bodies.

According to the "Telegraph" and "Financial Times," UEFA sent letters to Infantino and technology investor Joshua Kushner, who was slated to play a key role in the project. These letters reportedly urged them not to destroy any material related to the proposed deal. While official confirmation was initially unavailable, the UEFA correspondence signals a significant escalation in the conflict.

The proposed deal aimed to sell stakes in FIFA's premium products, including commercial rights for the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup, to private investors. The plan, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), envisioned a new subsidiary valued at an estimated $20 billion, with investors acquiring approximately 20 percent of its shares. Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, was expected to be central to the project through his investment firm Thrive.

The UEFA letter, as quoted by the "Telegraph," states: "UEFA hereby formally notifies that it is actively considering the initiation of legal proceedings, arbitration and/or complaints to the relevant regulatory authorities (collectively the 'Proceedings'). These relate to the FFE plan proposed by FIFA and all related matters."

UEFA's correspondence also stressed the obligation of Infantino and FIFA to "immediately take all necessary measures to identify, locate and preserve all documents and electronically stored information referred to in this letter that are in your possession or in the possession, custody or control of FIFA."