Full Breakdown
UEFA Seeks U.S. Subpoena of Joshua Kushner Over FIFA Privatization Proposal
8/29/2026, 4:02:47 AM
Core Event
UEFA filed a petition in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York requesting subpoenas for Joshua Kushner and Thrive Capital to obtain testimony and documents related to the “FIFA Forward Enterprise” plan. UEFA says the materials are essential for a criminal case it hopes to bring in Switzerland against FIFA President Gianni Infantino for alleged “criminal mismanagement” of a $20 billion partial-privatization proposal.
Background & Context
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Infantino announced a subsidiary to sell stakes in FIFA’s commercial arm. UEFA contends the deal was structured secretly, without an open bidding process, and at a discounted price of $4.2 billion despite an estimated enterprise value near $20 billion. The proposal would have given investors—including a vehicle led by Kushner—a permanent financial interest in FIFA’s commercial revenues. UEFA argues that Infantino’s actions harmed FIFA’s reputation, governance authority, and commercial relationships, affecting all 211 FIFA members and UEFA’s 55 national associations.
Kushner, brother-in-law of former President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka, was identified by UEFA as the chief financial backer who helped design the plan. At the same time, Kushner announced a pending acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion, a transaction under NBA review.
Timeline
- Earlier this month – Infantino unveiled the privatization concept, prompting backlash from UEFA federations.
- Last month – UEFA filed its U.S. petition seeking subpoenas of Kushner and Thrive Capital.
- Recent weeks – House Judiciary Committee’s top Democrat, Rep. Jamie Raskin, expressed interest in investigating the deal, calling it a “kickback hat trick.”
Data & Statistics
- Proposed transaction value: $4.2 billion versus UEFA’s estimate of $20 billion fair market value.
- FIFA membership: 211 national associations; UEFA members: 55.
- Lakers acquisition price: $12.5 billion.
Official Statements & Responses
UEFA’s filing notes that Kushner and Thrive Capital are not expected to be defendants in the Swiss proceeding. It cites 28 U.S.C. § 1782 as authority to compel evidence for use in a foreign tribunal, emphasizing Kushner’s New York residence. UEFA says the request would clarify internal structuring and communications, not bypass Swiss proof-gathering rules.
Kushner’s legal team is expected to oppose the subpoenas, citing trade-secret protection, attorney-client privilege, work-product doctrine, and nondisclosure agreements, and characterizing the request as a “fishing expedition” before any Swiss complaint is filed.
The White House and Thrive Capital have not commented.
Criticism & Opposition
Rep. Jamie Raskin described the privatization proposal as a “kickback hat trick” and signaled a willingness to investigate. UEFA’s statement, issued as federations gathered ahead of the Champions League draw, said the bodies mandated the UEFA President to pursue every legal avenue needed to limit presidential authority and ensure FIFA is governed as an institution.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree UEFA seeks the same categories of documents, but no public statements from Kushner’s side detail the specific defenses he intends to raise. UEFA’s $20 billion valuation lacks disclosed methodology, leaving a gap in independent verification.
What’s Next
UEFA will await the district court’s ruling. If granted, Kushner may file motions to limit or quash discovery. Parallel Swiss prosecutors could decide whether to open a formal criminal investigation into Infantino’s plan. Both legal tracks are expected to unfold in the months leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
