FIFA loses court ruling against UEFA in World Cup investor case
A New York judge has denied FIFA's attempt to block UEFA's investigation into Gianni Infantino's failed private investor plan.
A Manhattan district court judge has ruled against FIFA in its attempt to halt UEFA’s efforts to gather evidence regarding a controversial and failed World Cup private investor scheme. The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing friction between the two governing bodies.
Legal setback for FIFA
UEFA is currently pursuing evidence from firms including Thrive and JP Morgan to support its broader strategy, which involves potential criminal proceedings in Switzerland against Gianni Infantino for alleged financial mismanagement. Two FIFA subsidiaries had attempted to intervene in the New York proceedings, but the court found they lacked a direct and legally protectable interest in the matter.
"Nothing in this record indicates that the US FIFA parties, or even FIFA itself, will be parties in the contemplated criminal proceedings."
Judge Jeannette Vargas
The failed "FIFA Forward Enterprise" project, which aimed to sell a permanent stake in FIFA tournaments to outside investors for $4.2 billion, has triggered the most significant crisis of Infantino's 11-year tenure. With elections approaching in March, the FIFA president faces pressure as UEFA seeks to challenge his leadership, potentially backing candidates like Kohzo Tashima or Arsène Wenger.
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