UEFA is considering legal action against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, and others over a controversial plan to privatize a share of the World Cup's commercial operations. The proposal was ultimately shelved after UEFA threatened to boycott the tournament.
The threat of legal action highlights significant tensions between UEFA and FIFA over the commercialization of football's premier event, raising concerns about governance, competition law, and the future structure of major sporting operations.
UEFA, the governing body of European football, has indicated it is prepared to take legal action against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, and other individuals involved in a recently shelved plan to privatize a portion of the World Cup's commercial operations.
A letter sent to Infantino, seen by The Telegraph, states that UEFA is "actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints." The proposal, developed in partnership with Kushner's Thrive Capital, aimed to transfer FIFA's commercial rights and tournament operations to a private entity, allowing private investors to acquire a 20% stake.
UEFA strongly opposed the initiative, arguing that it was developed without adequate consultation with member associations and would effectively privatize a significant part of the tournament's commercial business. The organization had previously voted unanimously to boycott the World Cup if the project proceeded. Following this opposition, the proposal was ultimately shelved.
The notice sent to Infantino, Kushner, and others involved also includes a directive to preserve all relevant materials, as legal proceedings are reasonably anticipated. Additionally, EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef stated that the FIFA proposal raised "important competition law considerations" that the European Commission intends to investigate.