FIFA accuses UEFA of harassment amid commercial rights dispute
FIFA has accused UEFA of “harassment” in an escalating dispute over a proposed sale of a stake in World Cup commercial rights, aimed at influencing the re-election of Gianni Infantino, reports BritPanorama.
The allegation was made in a court filing submitted in Miami, where FIFA seeks to block UEFA’s request for documents related to the halted FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) venture.
“UEFA’s conduct demonstrates that its application was made in bad faith and for the purpose of harassment,” FIFA’s lawyers argued in the filing, as reported by Sky News. The confrontation began with a proposal to attract private investment into a new FIFA subsidiary that would hold commercial rights for its competitions, including the World Cup.
Investors were expected to contribute approximately $4.2 billion for a 20 percent stake, a valuation UEFA claims grossly undervalues some of football’s most profitable assets. They also allege that Infantino developed the scheme without adequate consultation with FIFA’s council or member associations.
UEFA is seeking documents from FIFA and associated parties regarding the deal. FIFA disputes UEFA’s interpretation of the proposal’s financial implications, asserting that a $20 billion figure referenced in the discussions pertained to the subsidiary’s initial equity value, while the total enterprise value exceeded $30 billion. FIFA maintains that the investment plan was subject to approval from its governing bodies prior to proceeding.
Despite the investment proposal being abandoned in July due to pushback from UEFA and other regional football organizations, the controversy persists. Infantino’s senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned, characterizing the plan as detrimental to football. UEFA continues to seek documentation on the proposal, leading FA chair Debbie Hewitt to insist on an independent review of the transaction.
FIFA contends that UEFA’s legal actions are aimed at undermining Infantino in the lead-up to next March’s presidential election, accusing UEFA of spreading misinformation and urging the court to dismiss these attempts to sway the election outcome.
While UEFA has withdrawn its endorsement of Infantino’s candidacy, it has not yet introduced an opposition candidate. The deadline for potential challengers to register for the February election passes in November.
This unfolding saga underscores the growing friction between football’s governing bodies and raises pertinent questions about governance and accountability in the sport.
