FIFA accuses UEFA of ‘smear campaign’ against Infantino

FIFA has accused UEFA of conducting a “smear campaign” against president Gianni Infantino as tensions between football’s two most powerful governing bodies continue to escalate. According to Gulf News, FIFA made the accusation in a New York federal court filing after UEFA sought access to documents and testimony that could support potential criminal proceedings in Switzerland.

The dispute centres on FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed company that would have controlled commercial rights linked to the men’s and women’s World Cups. UEFA has questioned how the plan was developed and called for an independent review. FIFA said UEFA had opposed the proposal from the outset and was seeking to protect Europe’s influence over global football. The FFE plan was withdrawn on July 31.