European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, is preparing to file a criminal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to a report from ESPN. The move comes in response to Infantino’s attempt to sell a $20 billion stake in World Cup commercial operations, a deal that has sparked widespread backlash and accusations of misconduct.
The complaint, which UEFA says it is contemplating under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code, alleges criminal mismanagement by Infantino and possibly other FIFA officials. The accusations center on the proposed sale of a 20% stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) — a subsidiary that would oversee the soccer body’s commercial events, including the World Cup.
Allegations of Fraud and Undue Process
According to ESPN, UEFA has filed documents in a Manhattan court requesting discovery of potential evidence from Thrive Capital Management, the New York investment fund founded by Joshua Kushner. Thrive and Kushner were reportedly set to be the anchor investors, paying FIFA $4.2 billion for the 20% stake.
However, UEFA’s legal team argues that this price may have been a “fraudulently off-market price promoted by Infantino for his own benefit.” The suit also charges Infantino with “fraudulently” offering the stake in FFE without proper due process or consultation with the FIFA hierarchy.
UEFA’s lawyer stated, “UEFA and its counsel are contemplating a Swiss criminal proceeding against Infantino and possibly other FIFA officials for criminal mismanagement under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code.”
Boycott Threat and Aborted Sale
The proposed sale was ultimately aborted after UEFA and other international soccer governing bodies threatened to boycott the 2030 World Cup. That boycott threat was only lifted after assurances were made that the stakes sale would not go through.
Infantino’s decision to scrap the deal came amid intense pressure from within the soccer community, but UEFA’s latest actions suggest that the fallout is far from over. The criminal complaint, if filed, would escalate a dispute that has already strained relations between European soccer leaders and FIFA’s top executive.
The story was first reported by Breitbart, citing ESPN, and highlights the growing tensions over the commercialization of the world’s most-watched sporting event.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2026/08/27/report-uefa-to-file-criminal-complaint-against-fifas-infantino-over-world-cup-sell-off/