2 days ago
UEFA Challenges FIFA Subsidiaries’ Role in Infantino Discovery Case
UEFA is asking a U.S. court for information about a business plan linked to FIFA events.
The information could support a possible criminal complaint in Switzerland.
That complaint could involve FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other officials.
UEFA wants documents and testimony from Thrive Capital Management and Joshua Kushner.
The plan involved selling private investors a permanent stake in rights connected to the World Cup and other FIFA events.
Infantino withdrew the plan on August 1 after criticism.
FIFA’s American subsidiaries want to participate in the U.S. court case.
UEFA says they do not have a direct legal interest and could slow the process.
FIFA says UEFA’s effort is a smear campaign and a fishing expedition.
UEFA asked a Manhattan federal court to reject FIFA (Americas) Inc and FWC2026 US Inc’s attempt to intervene in its discovery request.
The request seeks documents and testimony from Thrive Capital Management and founder Joshua Kushner about FIFA’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise transaction.
UEFA is considering a Swiss criminal complaint alleging possible criminal mismanagement by Gianni Infantino and other FIFA officials.
Infantino withdrew the proposed plan on August 1 after backlash from football bodies and other critics.
FIFA called UEFA’s effort a smear campaign and fishing expedition, while the court has not ruled on either request.
- Who
- UEFA, FIFA (Americas) Inc, FWC2026 US Inc, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Thrive Capital Management, and Joshua Kushner.
- What
- UEFA is opposing the FIFA subsidiaries’ attempt to intervene in its U.S. request for evidence related to a potential Swiss criminal case.
- Where
- The dispute is before a federal court in Manhattan, while the potential criminal complaint would be filed in Switzerland.
- When
- UEFA filed its opposition on Thursday; Infantino withdrew the proposed transaction on August 1.
- Why
- UEFA says it needs evidence about the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise transaction and argues that the subsidiaries lack a direct legal interest and could cause delay.
UEFA’s Position
FIFA-Side Position
Right to intervene
UEFA’s Position
UEFA says FIFA (Americas) Inc and FWC2026 US Inc are improperly acting as stand-ins for FIFA and Infantino, neither of whom has sought to join the case.
FIFA-Side Position
The American FIFA subsidiaries are attempting to intervene, citing concerns related to the proceeding and confidentiality.
Confidentiality concerns
UEFA’s Position
UEFA says any confidentiality interests belong, if to anyone, to FIFA as the subsidiaries’ Swiss parent, and that the discovery targets can challenge subpoenas after they are served.
FIFA-Side Position
The subsidiaries’ intervention effort reflects their stated confidentiality concerns about the requested evidence.
Purpose and effect of discovery
UEFA’s Position
UEFA says it is seeking potentially relevant evidence about the proposed transaction and argues that intervention would add briefing and unnecessary delay.
FIFA-Side Position
FIFA called UEFA’s discovery applications a smear campaign and a fishing expedition intended to damage FIFA and its leadership.
Key facts
- Court
- Manhattan federal court
- Discovery targets
- Thrive Capital Management and Joshua Kushner
- Proposed transaction
- FIFA Forward Enterprise
- Transaction status
- Withdrawn by Gianni Infantino on August 1
- Potential legal action
- A Swiss criminal complaint alleging possible criminal mismanagement
- UEFA’s position
- The American subsidiaries are not targets of the contemplated Swiss case or recipients of the proposed subpoenas
- Current status
- The court has not ruled on UEFA’s discovery application or the intervention motion
Sources
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