Key facts
- UEFA is preparing a criminal complaint in Swiss courts against FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- The complaint alleges criminal mismanagement related to a plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors.
- UEFA is seeking evidence from U.S.-based FIFA entities, including Thrive Capital Management, through court filings.
- The proposed deal aimed to raise $4.2 billion for a 20% stake in a FIFA subsidiary.
- UEFA claims the plan was intended for Infantino and a select group to profit from FIFA's assets.
UEFA is preparing to file a criminal complaint in Swiss courts against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, alleging financial mismanagement related to a proposed plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. The European soccer body announced its intentions in court documents filed in the U.S., seeking access to evidence from FIFA entities and the investment fund Thrive Capital Management.
The plan, revealed in late July, involved Thrive Capital Management, founded by Josh Kushner, paying FIFA $4.2 billion for a 20% stake in a subsidiary that would manage the organization's commercial events, including the World Cup. UEFA's lawyers stated in a 56-page document that they are contemplating a Swiss criminal proceeding against Infantino and possibly other FIFA officials for criminal mismanagement.
UEFA contends that the proposed $4.2 billion figure was a "fraudulently off-market price" and that the plan was a vehicle for Infantino and a select group to profit from FIFA's assets to the detriment of the organization and its members. The European body highlighted that FIFA is expected to have approximately $5 billion in cash reserves after the upcoming World Cup, questioning why outside investors were needed.
Infantino withdrew the sell-off plan on August 1 following significant criticism from European soccer officials. UEFA had previously warned FIFA against destroying or hiding any relevant materials related to the plan. The legal move was revealed to UEFA's member federations just hours before the Champions League draw.
The Swiss attorney general's office has a history of poor results in prosecuting corruption cases linked to FIFA, with former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, former UEFA president Michel Platini, and Nasser al-Khelaïfi all being acquitted twice in Switzerland. The crisis has also raised questions about Infantino's future, with some federations withdrawing support and calling for his resignation ahead of the March 2027 FIFA election.