UEFA Threatens Criminal Complaint Against FIFA President Infantino Over World Cup Sales Plan

The European football governing body said on Thursday it was considering legal action against Infantino personally, alleging serious misconduct in the development and promotion of the now-abandoned proposal. The plan, details of which remain partially confidential, reportedly sought to centralise and sell commercial rights for future World Cups in a manner critics argued would bypass traditional national associations and undermine transparency.

UEFA’s statement did not specify the exact nature of the ‘criminal mismanagement’ claim, but sources close to the matter indicate the complaint will focus on alleged breaches of Swiss fiduciary and corporate governance laws. FIFA is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and Infantino is a Swiss-Italian lawyer.

The proposal was met with fierce opposition from European federations, fan groups, and even some commercial partners. Critics argued it would concentrate excessive power and financial control within FIFA’s executive and reduce revenue-sharing with member associations. The backlash forced FIFA to withdraw the plan earlier in August, just weeks before its intended implementation.

Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, has repeatedly defended his governance record, pointing to increased revenues and expanded global participation. FIFA has not yet publicly responded to UEFA’s latest threat. However, the organisation has previously dismissed similar allegations as politically motivated.

The conflict marks an unprecedented public rift between FIFA and UEFA, traditionally allies in global football governance. Legal experts say a criminal complaint would be symbolic unless Swiss prosecutors decide to investigate, which is far from guaranteed.

UEFA has not set a deadline for filing the complaint, stating it is ‘contemplating’ the next steps. The development adds to mounting scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership, coming amid ongoing investigations into FIFA’s handling of the 2034 World Cup bidding process and its relations with Middle Eastern sponsors.

Why This Matters

Escalation: If filed, this would be the first criminal complaint by a major continental football body against the FIFA president, raising the stakes in a growing governance battle.
Financial Impact: The proposed sales plan would have reshaped how billions of dollars in World Cup revenue are distributed, directly affecting national associations, clubs, and grassroots funding.
Accountability: The case tests whether football’s leadership can be held legally accountable for decisions made under the banner of commercial strategy.

Background

The root of the conflict lies in FIFA’s push to centralise commercial rights under a single entity, which UEFA and others saw as a power grab that would reduce revenue sharing. Infantino has long argued such centralisation increases efficiency and global revenue, echoing models used by larger sports leagues. Similar proposals have sparked controversy before, including FIFA’s failed attempt in 2021 to create a biennial World Cup, which was also shelved after opposition. UEFA’s relationship with FIFA has soured significantly since then, with European federations increasingly resisting what they view as unilateral decision-making.

Key Perspectives

UEFA: Sees Infantino’s proposal as a governance failure that breached legal and fiduciary duties, threatening the financial independence of member associations. The criminal complaint is a bid to hold the leadership accountable. FIFA: Likely to argue the plan was a legitimate commercial proposal, legally reviewed and withdrawn voluntarily. They may characterise UEFA’s action as a politically motivated attack. Critics and Legal Observers: Swiss criminal law requires a high bar for ‘criminal mismanagement’ cases against corporate officers. Even if a complaint is filed, prosecution is unlikely unless clear intent to defraud or recklessness is proven. Some see this as a publicity move to pressure Infantino before FIFA’s congress.

What to Watch

Whether UEFA formally files the complaint with Swiss prosecutors and what evidence it provides.
FIFA’s official response and any counter-legal action or disciplinary measures against UEFA.
Reaction from football associations worldwide, particularly those in Africa and Asia, which have generally supported Infantino.

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