The European football association UEFA is preparing a criminal complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino in Switzerland. The case is linked to a failed plan to sell a 20 percent commercial stake in the FIFA World Cup to private investors for US$4.2 billion.
According to the British newspaper The Independent, this emerges from a 56-page document submitted by UEFA lawyers to a federal court in the US state of Florida. The European football association accuses Infantino of possible criminal mismanagement.
According to UEFA, the amount of US$4.2 billion was far too low compared with the actual commercial value of the World Cup. The proposed sale also allegedly did not take place through a public and competitive process. In addition, the value of the deal was reportedly not assessed by an independent expert.
The plan was part of the so-called FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. Under it, 20 percent of the commercial activities surrounding the World Cup would permanently come into the hands of private investors. UEFA argues that this would also directly affect the financial and reputational interests of its 55 affiliated football associations.
One of the intended investors was Joshua Kushner, founder of investment firm Thrive Capital. He is the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
The sales plan was withdrawn within days last month after UEFA threatened to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments. The European football association ended that threat on Wednesday after FIFA reportedly guaranteed that it would not again attempt to sell stakes in its competitions.
However, UEFA is keeping the option of legal action open. Through the court in Florida, the association wants to obtain documents that could be used in possible Swiss criminal proceedings. Two FIFA entities are based in Florida.
Infantino remained FIFA president after apologising for the mistakes made. Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s former chief operating officer, who criticised the plan and said staff had been misled, has since left the world football governing body.
UEFA has withdrawn its confidence in Infantino and called on him to resign. The association previously described the sales proposal as a backroom deal that had allegedly been prepared without sufficient transparency.
The allegations against Infantino have not yet been assessed by a judge. No ruling has yet been made on any potential criminal liability.
