FIFA dealt major legal blow as US court orders disclosure of World Cup sell-off documents

FIFA has suffered a significant legal setback after a US court rejected its attempt to block UEFA’s demands for documents relating to the abandoned World Cup investment plan.

According to The Sun⁠, Judge Jeanette Vargas of the Southern District of New York dismissed FIFA’s application to intervene in the disclosure process, ruling that doing so would “unduly prejudice” UEFA if the release of information was delayed.

UEFA launched legal actions in New York, Florida and Colorado in September after FIFA president Gianni Infantino abandoned the project agreed with Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner.

UEFA alleged that Kushner originated the FIFA Forward Enterprises proposal and discussed it with Infantino for nearly a year, while negotiations with potential investors were conducted secretly alongside JP Morgan.

The ruling clears the way for a final judgment in UEFA’s favour, potentially embarrassing FIFA and Infantino. The development also comes amid growing pressure on Infantino ahead of FIFA’s presidential election in March, with Arsene Wenger considering a challenge.