UEFA criminal claims against Infantino
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The gist
UEFA is preparing criminal claims against FIFA president Gianni Infantino over alleged criminal mismanagement of a.
The move escalates the conflict, potentially threatening Infantino's position ahead of the March 2027.
Background
UEFA is preparing to bring criminal claims in Switzerland against FIFA president Gianni Infantino for alleged criminal mismanagement under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code, related to his failed plan to sell a 20% stake in a subsidiary that would run FIFA's commercial events, including the World Cup, to private investors for $4.2 billion. The plan was dropped on Aug 1 after backlash from global soccer leaders. UEFA has applied to a court in Florida to access documents to support the Swiss proceedings.
How it unfolded
- Aug 1, 2026Infantino dropped the sell-off plan after a furious backlash by global soccer leaders, including UEFA.
- Aug 23, 2026Six Nordic soccer associations issued a joint statement saying they had 'lost confidence' in Infantino's leadership.
- Aug 24, 2026UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said he won't run against Infantino but called for him to quit or face a leadership challenge in March.
- Aug 26, 2026UEFA is set to withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving assurances the plan will not be revived.
- Aug 27, 2026UEFA confirmed it is preparing criminal claims against Infantino and has applied for release of documents in the US.
Who’s saying what
- UEFA
- UEFA's application says the plan was 'a vehicle for Infantino and that small circle to acquire a permanent stake in and otherwise profit from Fifa's most valuable assets to the detriment of Fifa, its members, and other parties within the football family.'
- Nordic associations
- Six Nordic associations said they 'view the organization’s governance and decision-making at the highest level with great concern' and have lost confidence in Infantino.
- Ceferin
- UEFA president Ceferin said Infantino must either realize he doesn't have support and quit, or face a candidate against him in the March elections.
Still unverified
The $4.2 billion figure could be a 'fraudulently off-market price promoted by Infantino for his own benefit' as suggested in UEFA's document, but this is an allegation not yet proven.