UEFA files legal action against FIFA over privatization plans

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 7:57 PM

Last updated Aug 27, 2026

UEFA files legal action against FIFA over privatization plans

Summary

UEFA has initiated legal action against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Joshua Kushner, and Greg Maffei concerning a controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The discovery application was filed in U.S. courts following widespread criticism of the plan, which FIFA abandoned shortly after its announcement. UEFA is looking to gather evidence for a potential criminal case regarding Infantino's conduct related to the FIFA Forward Enterprise. The filing comes amid growing opposition to Infantino's leadership as he seeks re-election, with some member associations retracting their support. A decision on the Swiss criminal proceedings against Infantino is expected to follow further investigations.

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Key Details

•UEFA filed a discovery application in three U.S. court districts.
•The privatization plan announced in July was swiftly abandoned.
•Infantino is under scrutiny for potential criminal mismanagement.
•Concacaf president Victor Montagliani may consider a presidential bid against Infantino.
•FIFA's deadline for member associations to approve the plan is September 19.

Latest Updates

7:57 PMCBS Sports — UEFA takes legal action against FIFA, Joshua Kushner over scrapped plans to sell stakes in World Cup

What they're saying

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FIFA announced a proposal to sell shares in the World Cups to private investors in July, only to abandon the plan days later after widespread condemnation from high-ranking soccer officials
— CBS Sportsby Pardeep Cattry

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