FIFA has accused UEFA of running what it described as a “misinformation” campaign in its effort to obtain documents concerning FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to commercialise parts of the World Cup business.
The allegation was contained in FIFA’s response to a court case in Florida, where the world football governing body also claimed that UEFA’s attempt to obtain the documents could be aimed at influencing next year’s FIFA presidential election. UEFA has not yet publicly responded to the allegation.
Infantino sparked controversy in July after proposing the creation of a commercial subsidiary that would oversee major FIFA competitions, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. The proposal would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company established under the FIFA Forward Enterprise, FFE, initiative. Following the backlash, the plan was shelved.
In its court filing, FIFA rejected what it called several “false or misleading statements” made by UEFA concerning Infantino and the organisation. FIFA specifically disputed an allegation that Infantino intended to personally benefit from the FFE proposal.
AFP reported that it had contacted UEFA for its response.
Source: VANGUARD
