Legal representatives for the European governing body have outlined their intent to pursue charges under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code. The move follows a series of filings in United States courts, where UEFA is seeking discovery of evidence from Thrive Capital Management, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner that was positioned as a primary investor in the proposed deal.
Legal Action Over Failed Commercial Sell-Off
The core of the dispute involves a plan that would have seen FIFA receive $4.2 billion in exchange for a 20 percent stake in a new subsidiary tasked with managing the organization's commercial events, including the World Cup. UEFA’s legal team has characterized this valuation as potentially fraudulent, arguing that the $4.2 billion figure implied an enterprise value of approximately $20 billion—a sum they claim was neither tested by independent valuation nor subjected to a competitive bidding process.
In documents submitted to a Manhattan court, UEFA lawyers alleged that the plan was designed to allow Infantino and a small group of associates to secure a permanent financial interest in FIFA’s most valuable assets. The filing suggests that the proposal was promoted for personal benefit rather than the collective interests of the global football community. Following intense opposition from international football leaders, including those within UEFA, Infantino officially withdrew the sell-off plan on August 1.
Discovery Requests and Ongoing Investigations
As part of its strategy, UEFA has filed requests in both New York and southern Florida to secure potential evidence. The Florida filing specifically seeks authorization for discovery in a foreign proceeding against FIFA, which maintains offices in the Miami suburb of Coral Gables. This follows an initial warning issued by UEFA on August 3, in which the organization cautioned FIFA against the destruction or concealment of materials related to the commercial proposal.
The legal documents emphasize that while Infantino had publicly claimed the initiative would unlock FIFA’s commercial potential, the reality was a scheme that threatened the interests of the organization's members. As the situation develops, spokespeople for both FIFA and Thrive Capital Management have been approached for comment regarding the allegations and the ongoing legal maneuvers.
