UEFA is in the process of filing a criminal complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino in Swiss courts for potential financial mismanagement related to his unsuccessful proposal to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. The European football governing body disclosed on Thursday that it has submitted legal documents in a Manhattan court to seek evidence from the New York investment firm, Thrive Capital Management, established by Joshua Kushner.
In addition, UEFA has lodged a request in a southern Florida district for permission to gather evidence in a foreign legal proceeding against FIFA itself, which has offices in Coral Gables, a suburb of Miami. The investment fund, Thrive Capital Management, and its founder, Joshua Kushner, were slated to be the primary investors looking to pay FIFA $4.2 billion for a 20% stake in a subsidiary responsible for managing the soccer organization’s commercial events, including the World Cup.
According to a 56-page document obtained by The Associated Press, UEFA and its legal representatives are contemplating initiating a Swiss criminal case against Infantino and potentially other FIFA officials for alleged criminal mismanagement as per Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code. The document raises concerns that the proposed $4.2 billion valuation could be an inflated price benefiting Infantino personally.
Infantino abandoned the sell-off plan on August 1 following strong opposition from global soccer leaders, including UEFA. UEFA had issued a warning to FIFA on August 3, cautioning against the destruction or concealment of any pertinent materials linked to the proposal. UEFA’s lawyers assert that the plan, as promoted by Infantino, was designed to benefit a select group, including Infantino himself, at the expense of FIFA, its members, and other stakeholders in the football community.
Representatives from FIFA and Thrive have been requested to provide comments on the matter. Earlier on Thursday, Infantino received public backing from Saudi Arabia, the host nation for the 2034 World Cup. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation expressed its current support for Infantino’s efforts to foster global unity in soccer. Infantino has established strong relationships with Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his tenure, and played a role in steering the 2034 World Cup towards the kingdom. Both parties recently attended a Saudi-sponsored video gaming event in Paris.