RismadarVoice Reporters
September 3, 2026
FIFA has accused UEFA of launching a “smear campaign” against the world football governing body and its president, Gianni Infantino, following the collapse of a controversial plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors.
The dispute centres on Infantino’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a plan that would have created a new commercial entity involving private investment in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. The proposal was withdrawn after facing strong opposition from UEFA and other football stakeholders.
FIFA said UEFA’s criticism of the initiative had unfairly targeted its leadership and damaged the organisation’s reputation.
The governing body defended the proposal, arguing that the investment strategy was designed to generate additional resources for football development across its 211 member associations, particularly in regions that require more financial support.
However, UEFA has raised concerns over the transparency, valuation and governance process surrounding the plan. The European football body has questioned the proposed valuation of the commercial rights and has pursued legal steps to examine documents connected to the failed initiative.
The proposed deal involved private investors acquiring a stake in FIFA’s commercial operations, with critics arguing that such a move could reduce control over valuable football assets. The backlash eventually led to the abandonment of the proposal.
FIFA maintains that the criticism from UEFA represents an attempt to undermine Infantino’s leadership, while UEFA insists its actions are aimed at protecting transparency and accountability within global football governance.
The disagreement has deepened tensions between FIFA and UEFA, two of the most influential bodies in international football, as the sport continues to debate issues surrounding financial management, governance and the future direction of the game.
