FIFA accuses European football chiefs of 'harassment' against Gianni Infantino

FIFA has accused European football chiefs of "harassment" against Gianni Infantino and trying to influence the presidential election by "spreading misinformation" against him over the World Cup venture.

The claims are made in a court filing in Miami by FIFA, which has been obtained by Sky News, seeking to block UEFA's request for all the evidence related to the attempt to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors.

FIFA's lawyers write: "UEFA's conduct demonstrates that its application was made in bad faith and for the purpose of harassment."

UEFA has sought all documents on the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme, saying it could pursue a case against Mr Infantino for criminal mismanagement, alleging he undersold the tournaments for personal financial benefit.

But FIFA's lawyers write: "With no basis whatsoever, UEFA suggests that Mr Infantino sought to profit personally from the FFE proposal.

"As explained, the FFE plan was subject to ⁠approval by both the FIFA member associations ⁠and FIFA Council, and FFE would have been subject to oversight by both groups within FIFA.

"UEFA's suggestions that Mr Infantino violated ‌any law or ethical principle are categorically without merit."

The crisis has erupted ahead of Mr Infantino's bid for re-election in March with UEFA withdrawing its support but not yet proposing a rival candidate ahead of the deadline in November.

FIFA's legal submission says: "Just before FIFA's election, UEFA filed this application (and three others) spreading misinformation regarding Mr Infantino. This Court should reject any attempt to influence FIFA's presidential election based on these grounds."

(c) Sky News 2026: FIFA accuses European football chiefs of 'harassment' against Gianni Infantino