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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 27, 2026Miami-Dade

UEFA prepares criminal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over failed World Cup profit sell-off

UEFA is initiating legal action in Swiss courts against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, alleging criminal mismanagement regarding a proposed $4.2 billion deal to sell future World Cup commercial rights to private investors. The governing body of European soccer is seeking evidence in U.S. courts to support claims that the deal undervalued FIFA assets and was pursued for personal gain.

sports governancelegal actionfinancial mismanagementFIFAUEFA
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Why It Matters

The legal challenge threatens the leadership of the FIFA president and could fundamentally alter the financial structure and commercial management of global soccer's most valuable assets.

Key Facts

  • UEFA is preparing a criminal complaint against Gianni Infantino under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code for criminal mismanagement.
  • The dispute centers on a withdrawn plan to sell a 20% stake in a FIFA commercial subsidiary to Thrive Capital Management for $4.2 billion.
  • UEFA alleges the $4.2 billion price tag implied an enterprise value of $20 billion, which they claim was an 'absurdly low' and non-competitive valuation.
  • FIFA is projected to hold $5 billion in cash reserves following the 2023-26 commercial cycle, which generated a record $15 billion in revenue.
  • UEFA has filed discovery requests in Manhattan and southern Florida to obtain evidence from Thrive Capital Management and FIFA's Coral Gables office.
  • The sell-off plan was officially dropped by Infantino on Aug. 1 following intense criticism.
  • UEFA issued a formal warning to FIFA on Aug. 3 against destroying or hiding materials related to the deal.
  • UEFA has publicly stated it will seek a 'credible alternative' candidate for the FIFA presidency if Infantino seeks re-election in March 2027.
  • The deadline for FIFA presidential candidates to declare is Nov. 18.

Who's Mentioned

personMichel Platini“Former UEFA president”personSepp Blatter“Former FIFA president”organizationUEFA“European soccer governing body initiating legal action”organizationThrive Capital Management“Investment firm involved in the proposed $4.2 billion deal”personJosh Kushner“Founder of Thrive Capital Management”personGianni Infantino“FIFA President facing allegations of criminal mismanagement”personNasser al-Khelaïfi“President of Paris Saint-Germain”organizationFIFA“Global soccer governing body”