Published On 20 Oct 2026
UEFA has escalated its ongoing dispute with FIFA by requesting U.S. federal court authorization to issue subpoenas compelling the release of documents related to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s abandoned World Cup investment scheme and broader governance practices.
The intensifying conflict between the two soccer governing bodies emerged publicly this week, following expressions of frustration from European football leaders during a recent FIFA Council meeting where they felt critical questions went unanswered.
At the center of the controversy is FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed $4.2 billion deal involving the commercial rights to the World Cup that was introduced—and swiftly withdrawn—in July amid strong opposition from European members.
In a formal letter sent on behalf of European representatives to the FIFA Council, UEFA outlined 42 specific inquiries for which it seeks documentation. These include details about Infantino’s compensation, financial ties to entertainer Marc Anthony, disciplinary proceedings involving Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, connections between FIFA officials and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s family, and assurances regarding the autonomy of FIFA’s internal oversight bodies.
The deadline set by UEFA for compliance is November 2, falling just weeks ahead of the March 18, 2027 presidential election nomination cutoff.
“We are deeply concerned that previous responses have failed to clarify how key decisions were made or why the FIFA Council was not consulted appropriately,” said Theodore Theodoridis, UEFA General Secretary, who signed the correspondence. “These matters demand transparency and accountability.”
FIFA’s legal team has publicly characterized UEFA’s actions as an attempt to harass Infantino personally.
The timing of these demands underscores growing political tensions ahead of an influential vote, with potential candidates expected to begin forming campaigns once the nomination window opens. As the next FIFA Congress approaches in December in Doha, pressure continues mounting over reform efforts and institutional trust within international football governance.
