The first salvo has been fired. On Thursday, August 28, UEFA filed a request with U.S. authorities to obtain evidence in preparation for a potential criminal complaint against Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, and other officials within the organization. The goal? To shed light on the proposed sale of commercial rights to the World Cup. A petition was submitted to the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Florida, where the European body is seeking documents and communications related to FIFA (Americas) and FWC2026 US. In parallel, UEFA has also filed a motion in a Manhattan court to obtain evidence from a private investment fund.

A multi-front legal strategy

This legal offensive marks an unprecedented escalation in the conflict between UEFA and FIFA. By targeting multiple U.S. jurisdictions simultaneously, the European body aims to gather as much evidence as possible before pursuing legal action. Florida and New York, two states known for their strict financial oversight, provide a conducive environment for this information-gathering effort. The Florida request specifically targets entities linked to FIFA in the Americas, while the Manhattan filing focuses on a financial actor involved in the disputed transactions. These steps are part of a broader push for transparency and against opaque practices. UEFA accuses FIFA of attempting to sell off World Cup commercial rights, a move that could deprive European federations of critical revenue. The discovery process, which allows for the collection of documents and sworn testimonies, is a crucial step in building a potential criminal case. European officials aim to demonstrate the existence of conflicts of interest or fraudulent maneuvers in the management of these rights.

A complex case with major financial stakes

The commercial rights to the World Cup represent billions of euros, a financial windfall that major football bodies are vying to control. The sale of these rights by FIFA, led by Gianni Infantino, has already drawn sharp criticism from UEFA, which views it as a threat to the economic balance of European football. Legal proceedings underway in the United States could uncover irregularities in the management of these contracts, particularly their transfer to investment funds or companies linked to influential figures. UEFA, which has long championed fairer revenue distribution in football, is banking on these legal moves to pressure FIFA. If sufficient evidence is gathered, criminal charges could be filed, potentially implicating Infantino and his associates. This dispute adds to a growing list of tensions between the two bodies, already strained by disagreements over competition formats and the allocation of broadcasting rights. The world of football is holding its breath: the outcome of this case could reshape the power dynamics in the sport.