What happened
Citing court documents, FIFA has accused UEFA of running a smear campaign against the world football body and its president, Gianni Infantino, according to reports published by Sky News and other media outlets on September 3.
The dispute stems from an ex parte application UEFA filed last week with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeking permission to obtain testimony and documents from U.S.-based entities for potential criminal proceedings against Infantino over his alleged plans to sell equity in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors.
In a response filing, FIFA argued that UEFA's requests are effectively press releases disguised as legal paperwork, and asked the court to delay any ruling or allow FIFA to formally challenge the application.
Why it matters
The legal clash exposes intensifying friction between football's two most powerful governing bodies, with FIFA characterizing UEFA's actions as an effort to damage Infantino's leadership through procedural maneuvers rather than substantive claims.
The outcome could shape how international sports bodies pursue allegations against top officials, and whether courts will treat such cross-border requests as legitimate legal steps or public-relations tactics.
Key facts
FIFA accused UEFA of initiating a smear campaign against FIFA and President Gianni Infantino.
UEFA filed an ex parte application in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York last week.
The application sought testimony and documents from U.S.-based entities for possible criminal proceedings against Infantino.
The request relates to Infantino's alleged plan to sell equity in the World Cup and other events to private investors.
FIFA asked the court to delay its decision or allow FIFA to object to UEFA's request.
What to watch next
Whether the U.S. court grants UEFA's request or accepts FIFA's argument that the application is a publicity-driven move.
If allowed to intervene, FIFA's formal objection could open a new phase in the legal battle and reveal further details about Infantino's financial discussions.