FIFA, UEFA clash again over failed World Cup investment plan

FIFA and UEFA are locked in a fresh row over the world governing body’s abandoned plan to sell stakes in the commercial rights to the World Cup to private investors.

The latest dispute erupted after UEFA asked U.S. courts to compel FIFA and its partners to disclose documents related to the proposed investment structure, prompting FIFA to accuse the European governing body of pursuing a “smear campaign” and a “fishing expedition.”

The confrontation represents a new escalation in the increasingly strained relationship between the two most powerful governing bodies in world football.

Read Also: UEFA rejects FIFA apology, reaffirms tournament boycott

UEFA steps up legal challenge

FIFA unveiled its controversial investment proposal in July, sparking widespread opposition across European football. UEFA had threatened to boycott the World Cup if the plan went ahead.

FIFA subsequently abandoned the proposal following the backlash, but UEFA has continued to scrutinise the circumstances surrounding the plan and is considering possible legal action against FIFA president Gianni Infantino over alleged “criminal mismanagement”.

Read Also: Infantino apologises as FIFA admits mistakes over World Cup sell-off plan

Last week, UEFA filed requests in courts across three US states seeking documents from FIFA and its partners relating to the proposed investment structure.

The legal requests also target Thrive Capital, the investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, which was expected to be the lead investor in the proposed arrangement….