FIFA accuses UEFA of harassment

FIFA accuses UEFA of conducting a campaign aimed at weakening Gianni Infantino just months before the governing body's presidential election. In a legal document filed in Miami and seen by Sky News, his lawyers notably denounce the circulation of “misleading information” surrounding the FIFA Forward Enterprise project.

According to FIFA, UEFA's move is aimed at obtaining all documents related to the abandoned project, which notably envisaged selling stakes in World Cup rights to private investors. UEFA believes these elements could pave the way for criminal proceedings against Infantino over possible criminal mismanagement.

FIFA firmly rejects this accusation. Its lawyers claim that UEFA is putting forward, “without any basis”, the idea that the FIFA president sought to obtain a personal financial benefit from the operation.

Read also: FIFA: support for Gianni Infantino, Samuel Eto'o explains himself

A legal battle against the backdrop of an election

The dispute comes as Gianni Infantino prepares his candidacy for another term, with the election scheduled for March. UEFA has withdrawn its support for the FIFA president, without having yet nominated a rival candidate ahead of the November deadline.

In its filing, FIFA directly accuses UEFA of seeking to influence the vote. It believes that the proceedings were deliberately initiated as the election approaches and is asking the court to reject the European body's request.

The case therefore now combines legal proceedings with an institutional battle at the top of world football. At this stage, the accusations from both sides remain at the heart of ongoing proceedings.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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