FIFA power struggle escalates: UEFA plans to sue Infantino

On the day of the glamorous Champions League draw, UEFA escalated its power struggle with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino. The European football governing body is preparing criminal proceedings against the controversial head of the world governing body and potentially other officials on suspicion of mismanagement in connection with the World Cup investment deal.

August 27, 2026

From: dpa

UEFA is demanding that FIFA and the financial institutions involved hand over documents related to the failed project. This is according to a 60-page document filed with a district court in the US state of Florida, which has been obtained by the German Press Agency. In it, UEFA raises numerous allegations of misconduct against Infantino, extending beyond the dispute over the sale of World Cup shares.

In the Principality of Monaco, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin presented the next steps to the 55 national football associations. Infantino had attempted to bypass FIFA's governing bodies and push through a multi-billion-dollar investor model for the World Cup marketing, presenting concrete plans with US investors. This sparked massive protests, primarily from Europe's football leadership. Infantino was forced to withdraw his plans. He rejected subsequent calls for his resignation.

Allegation: Breach of trust

Now UEFA intends to bring about the Swiss official's removal through legal means. At the heart of the matter is the allegation of breach of trust. According to UEFA, Infantino could even face imprisonment if convicted. Proceedings would be pending in Switzerland, FIFA's home country. The US legal process is being pursued for formal reasons, as FIFA's legal department is located in Florida.

The pressure on Gianni Infantino is mounting. © APA/afp / NHAC NGUYEN

This approach is reminiscent of the ouster of Infantino's predecessor, Joseph Blatter, in 2015. The long-serving FIFA boss resigned after the US Department of Justice investigated numerous cases. Blatter himself was never convicted, but his leadership style was no longer tenable. Now, however, UEFA is launching a direct attack on Infantino.

No alternative candidate has been found so far.

The 56-year-old intends to run for a fourth term as FIFA president on March 18, 2027. Among the 211 FIFA member associations eligible to vote, there is currently no clear majority for or against him. UEFA has not yet been able to nominate an alternative candidate. Apparently, the matter will now be decided by the courts.

Keywords Soccer UEFA FIFA Gianni Infantino