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UEFA Prepares Criminal Complaint Against FIFA President Gianni Infantino

evening · · thread: FIFA Proposes Sale of World Cup Commercial Stakes, Sparking Fierce UEFA Backlash

6 sources across 4 countries · United Kingdom · Germany · India · Norway

Who reported this

  • The Guardian United Kingdom · Centre-left · Scott Trust Limited
  • BBC News United Kingdom · Centre · Public · Licence fee, royal charter
  • Financial Times United Kingdom · Centre · Nikkei Inc.
  • Der Spiegel Germany · Centre-left · ~50% staff-owned
  • The Indian Express India · Centre · Indian Express Group (Goenka family)
  • Aftenposten Norway · Centre-right · Schibsted, Tinius Trust foundation

What the colours mean

  • Left
  • Centre-left
  • Centre
  • Centre-right
  • Right
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UEFA is preparing to initiate criminal proceedings in Switzerland against FIFA President Gianni Infantino and potentially other officials and advisors. The legal action concerns alleged criminal mismanagement under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code related to a now scrapped plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors. The plan involved creating a subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to sell approximately 20 percent of commercial rights for 4.2 billion dollars. UEFA argues that this valuation was absurdly low and was promoted by Infantino for his own benefit rather than through a competitive auction or independent valuation.

To gather evidence, UEFA has filed applications in United States courts, including in Manhattan and Florida, to obtain documents. These requests specifically target information regarding Thrive Capital Management, a New York investment fund founded by Joshua Kushner. Kushner, who is the brother of Jared Kushner, was reportedly intended to play a key role as a main investor. UEFA alleges that Infantino developed the plan in secret with a small circle of co-conspirators, bypassing the FIFA Council, regional confederations, and member associations.

While the legal preparations continue, some reports indicate a shift in the diplomatic standoff. One report notes that UEFA may withdraw a previous threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving written guarantees that the private investor plan will not be revived. FIFA has welcomed the prospect of all qualified teams participating in the upcoming Under-20 Women's World Cup, stating that football has the power to unite even in challenging circumstances.

How each side framed it

Centre-left
These reports emphasized the explosive nature of the conflict and the potential for criminal mismanagement.
Centre
These reports focused on the procedural details of the legal applications and the specific allegations of secret planning.
Centre-right
This report highlighted the familial connection between Joshua Kushner and Donald Trump's son in law.

Sources

100% of the statements in this article were traced back to the source articles listed above.