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FIFA accuses UEFA of 'misinformation campaign' over World Cup papers

FIFA and UEFA are locked in a public dispute over a US court discovery request tied to a shelved plan to sell stakes in World Cup rights, with FIFA also alleging the row is linked to its presidential election.

Analysis deskEditor Andersson Iyke
13 outlets, 5 regions
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What happened

FIFA has accused UEFA of a 'misinformation' campaign in UEFA's bid to access documents related to Gianni Infantino's shelved plan to sell parts of, or stakes in, World Cup rights.1610124

FIFA urged a US court to reject UEFA's discovery request, saying UEFA's filing contained 'false or misleading statements' and that suggestions Infantino violated any law or ethical principle are 'categorically without merit'.7811

FIFA further alleged UEFA is trying to influence FIFA's presidential election, in which Infantino is seeking a fourth term, with some FIFA statements describing this as 'harassment' against Infantino.471213

Separately, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin publicly criticized Infantino at the European Football Clubs general assembly in Copenhagen, saying 'the emperor is naked' over the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise project and other scandals, and declaring it is 'time to say enough'.359

Key points

  • FIFA has accused UEFA of a 'misinformation' campaign related to UEFA's effort to obtain documents about Infantino's shelved plan to sell parts of the World Cup.161012
  • The dispute stems from a US court discovery request tied to a controversial investment or sale proposal involving World Cup rights.712
  • FIFA alleges UEFA's actions are an attempt to influence the FIFA presidential election, in which Infantino is seeking a fourth term.471213
  • UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin publicly criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino, using the phrase 'the emperor is naked', at the European Football Clubs general assembly.359

What the coverage leaves out

  • None of the outlets reviewed detailed the specific contents of the discovery request or the documents UEFA is seeking.
  • None of the outlets reviewed reported UEFA's direct, on-the-record response to FIFA's 'misinformation' and 'harassment' allegations.
  • None of the outlets reviewed specified the current status or timeline of the US court proceedings.

Why it matters

The dispute over documents comes as Infantino seeks a fourth term as FIFA president, which FIFA says UEFA is seeking to influence.413

The clash follows a period of public tension between the two football governing bodies, including Ceferin's direct criticism of Infantino's leadership over the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise project.3

Sources (13)

Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.

East Asia

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