FIFA Accuses UEFA of Misinformation Campaign Over Abandoned Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) Deal

FIFA lodged a filing in the Southern District of Florida asserting that UEFA’s request for discovery is part of a “misinformation campaign” aimed at influencing the upcoming FIFA presidential election. UEFA had asked a U.S. federal court to compel testimony and documents from two Florida-based FIFA entities to support a planned criminal complaint in Switzerland against President Gianni Infantino. FIFA responded that UEFA’s brief contains “numerous false or misleading statements” and that the filing is “far overbroad.”

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The controversy stems from the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme, which would have transferred World Cup commercial rights into a new subsidiary. UEFA claimed the proposal was developed in secret, bypassing FIFA’s council, regional confederations and member associations. The plan was dropped in July after opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, prompting calls for governance reforms and an independent review of FIFA’s decision-making.

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FIFA’s memorandum rejects UEFA’s allegations that Infantino sought personal profit, describing them as “categorically without merit.” UEFA, in its filing, argued that the FFE valuation was undervalued and that the process lacked an open auction or independent appraisal.

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• UEFA alleged investors would have paid $4.2 billion for a stake, valuing the business at roughly $20 billion.

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• FIFA maintains the “initial equity valuation” of FFE was $20 billion and that the “enterprise value” exceeded $30 billion, more than twice the equity figure.

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• “With no basis whatsoever, Uefa suggests that Mr Infantino sought to profit personally from the FFE proposal,” — Florida-based Fifa

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• “Uefa, whether deliberately or through ignorance, conflates equity value with enterprise value,” — Florida-based Fifa

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• “Just before Fifa’s election, Uefa filed this 1782 Application (and three others) spreading misinformation regarding Mr Infantino,” — Florida-based Fifa

The Guardian

• “UEFA is confusing equity value with enterprise value,” — FIFA

Fifa accuses Uefa of “misinformation campaign”

Infantino is the sole candidate for the FIFA presidency and will stand for a fourth term in March 2027. Opponents have until November 18 to nominate an alternative candidate. FIFA has urged the court to reject UEFA’s discovery request, arguing that any influence on the election must be barred.

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