FIFA accuses UEFA of 'smear campaign' in fight over Infantino plan

FIFA accused UEFA of running a “smear campaign” against it and President Gianni Infantino as a court fight escalated over a previously shelved plan to sell stakes in FIFA’s commercial rights. In a filing seen by Reuters, FIFA criticized UEFA’s latest move in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, saying an ex parte request to obtain testimony and documents for potential Swiss criminal proceedings was “little more than press releases.” UEFA is considering criminal action in Switzerland linked to FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). FIFA asked the court to delay or allow it to oppose UEFA’s request, arguing the proceedings are speculative and that UEFA is trying to derail the FFE proposal.