Sports · Football · 51 mins ago

Court rejects FIFA bid to block UEFA evidence-gathering over Infantino plan

Court rejects FIFA bid to block UEFA evidence-gathering over Infantino plan

A New York court rejected FIFA’s attempt to block UEFA from seeking evidence about a proposed investment plan.

UEFA wants documents and testimony from Thrive Capital and JPMorgan, which were involved in the plan.

FIFA’s Forward Enterprise scheme aimed to sell private investors a minority stake in commercial rights for the World Cup and other tournaments.

The scheme was abandoned in August after three continental confederations rejected it.

The ruling lets UEFA gather evidence, but another court decision is needed for document access.

UEFA is seeking answers about the plan and has raised broader concerns about FIFA president Gianni Infantino; the evidence could be used in a possible criminal case.

The dispute comes ahead of FIFA’s March election, where Infantino is seeking a fourth term.

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What people are saying

Jeannette VargasUS district judge
The court has already decided that the US Fifa parties have no direct, substantial and legally protectable interest in the subject matter of this application.
via Independent
FIFAWorld football governing body
The court has not dealt with the substantive merits of UEFA’s application; no documents have to be handed over.
via Handelsblatt