UEFA is preparing to file complaints against FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding his plan to sell the commercial rights of the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors. This plan was canceled following public outcry.
elchi reports that, according to documents obtained by BBC Sport, the European football governing body has requested access to evidence and documents to be used in a case to be opened in Switzerland against Infantino, whom it accuses of abuse of office. UEFA has also stated that it is considering initiating legal proceedings against other FIFA officials.
Following the World Cup held this summer, Infantino proposed the creation of a new company called “FIFA Forward Enterprise,” which aimed to sell shares of FIFA’s tournament rights to private investors. This plan was withdrawn after harsh criticism from the football community.
In its request for evidence, UEFA stated that this initiative was a means for Infantino and a small circle around him to obtain a permanent stake in FIFA’s most valuable assets and to profit at the expense of FIFA, its members, and the football family. The application also notes that Infantino pushed this plan forward in a hastily organized meeting, where most senior executives and staff were informed for the first time and given only a few hours to approve an unprecedented multi-billion dollar project. UEFA and leading figures of European football met in Monaco before the Champions League draw to discuss Infantino’s situation. After the meeting, UEFA announced that the participants had unanimously authorized the UEFA president and his administration to use all necessary institutional, political, and legal means to ensure institutional reforms, limit presidential powers, and ensure that FIFA is governed as an institution rather than around a single person.
BBC Sport has contacted Infantino and FIFA officials for comment.
Şayəstə