UEFA, the governing body of European football, has announced that it is preparing to file a criminal complaint against Gianni Infantino over the FIFA president’s failed plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup to private investors.
In a petition filed with a court in the United States, UEFA says it is requesting documents from the investment firm headed by Joshua Kushner, who was identified as the principal investor in Infantino‘s effort to market a portion of FIFA’s commercial rights linked to the tournament. UEFA added that it “is preparing to file a criminal complaint in Switzerland against Infantino and possibly other FIFA executives and advisors for alleged management violations.”
Pressure on Infantino and severing relations
This legal move comes as the European football governing body intensifies pressure on Infantino to step down. UEFA officials and representatives of European football federations convened in Monte Carlo to chart the next steps in the dispute.
Last month, UEFA warned it would cut commercial and sporting ties with FIFA after Infantino tried to sell 20% of the organisation’s commercial rights to private investors in a $4 billion deal (approximately 21 billion Brazilian reais).
Although Infantino later withdrew the proposal following widespread criticism and admitted the plan had failed, UEFA continues its campaign demanding his resignation.
Joshua Kushner, CEO of Thrive, is the brother of Jared Kushner, son‑in‑law of Donald Trump. Neither Thrive nor FIFA responded to requests for comment.
Source: Folha de S.Paulo
