UEFA Takes Legal Action Against Infantino Over World Cup Privatization Plan

European football's governing body, UEFA, is preparing to launch legal proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to reports. The action stems from Infantino's push to privatize the World Cup, a plan that collapsed in August after widespread backlash. The case is being prepared in Switzerland and targets FIFA officials for criminal mismanagement, with the possibility of additional charges as the investigation develops.

The legal complaint alleges that "the secretive structuring, valuation, financing, and marketing of a transaction inflicted direct and concrete injury on FIFA's reputation, governance authority, and commercial relationships." UEFA has also subpoenaed FIFA in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, a move linked to the involvement of investment fund Thrive Capital Management, which is based there.

The Proposed Privatization and Its Collapse

On July 28, Infantino announced that FIFA was exploring spinning off the World Cup and other tournaments into a privately funded venture. The plan envisaged creating a subsidiary that would manage FIFA's commercial events, with Thrive Capital Management—founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner—as the anchor investor. According to UEFA's allegations, Thrive was expected to invest upwards of $4 billion for a 20% stake.

However, the proposal faced immediate and intense opposition. "Those plans collapsed on August 1 following a massive backlash against the privatization of the tournaments," according to UEFA's account. The swift reversal came after criticism from within football and beyond.

UEFA's Allegations of Fraudulent Valuation

UEFA's case centers on the valuation of the proposed deal. The organization alleges that the $4.2 billion valuation for a 20% stake was a "fraudulently off-market price promoted by Infantino for his own benefit." They argue that the total valuation of the enterprise—$20 billion—was "absurdly low" and was not the result of an open bidding process nor tested by an independent valuer.

The suit further alleges that Infantino and his allies pushed the plan on FIFA employees who "had never heard of the plan and were given mere hours to sign off on 'an unprecedented multi-billion dollar scheme.'"

Infantino's Position and the Upcoming FIFA Presidential Election

Infantino, who has led FIFA for over a decade, is seeking a fourth term in the next presidential election, scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. Candidates must declare their intention by November 18. The election involves a vote of all 211 FIFA member associations, with a candidate needing 106 votes to win.

Infantino's bid has been complicated by growing opposition. His close ties to political figures, including President Trump, and his push to maximize revenue from football have drawn criticism. He was also the target of "scathing criticism" following public appearances with Trump, including at a summit in Egypt in October 2025.

European confederations have signaled their discontent. UEFA issued a statement earlier in the month saying its 55 members remain committed to boycotting FIFA competitions. Other confederations, including the African (CAF) and South American (CONMEBOL) bodies, have made their positions known—CAF has sided with Infantino, while CONMEBOL issued a statement rejecting any attempt to oust him that does not involve a vote of all member associations.

Potential challengers for the presidency include Victor Montagliani of CONCACAF, Nasser al-Khelaifi of the European Club Association (and Paris Saint-Germain), Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa of the Asian Football Confederation, and Patrice Motsepe of CAF. UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has ruled himself out as a candidate.

As the legal proceedings unfold and the election approaches, Infantino's position appears increasingly uncertain, with UEFA's action adding a new layer of pressure to his campaign for another term.