NEWS · 27 Aug 2026
UEFA to pursue criminal case against FIFA president Infantino
UEFA has announced it will move forward with criminal proceedings against FIFA president Gianni Infantino over a plan to sell World Cup stakes that was later abandoned. The case could have significant implications for the governing body’s governance and future tournaments.
UEFA has formally announced that it intends to launch criminal proceedings against FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The action is linked to a previously proposed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, which was ultimately withdrawn.
Under the now‑scrapped scheme, FIFA had considered monetising its World Cup assets to generate additional revenue. UEFA’s officials expressed concerns that the proposal could have undermined the integrity and commercial stability of the tournament.
The governing body’s legal team argues that Infantino’s involvement in the failed plan constitutes a breach of FIFA’s statutes and could amount to corruption or mismanagement. UEFA is seeking a judicial review that may lead to sanctions or removal of the president from office.
For fans following live scores, the development raises questions about how FIFA’s leadership decisions could affect the organization of future competitions. A criminal ruling could prompt a restructuring of FIFA’s executive structure and alter the governance of major tournaments.
The case will be heard in a Swiss court, where UEFA has filed its complaint. The outcome could set a precedent for accountability within international football’s top governing bodies.
UEFA and FIFA are expected to release further statements in the coming weeks, and the legal process will likely influence the scheduling and administration of upcoming World Cup qualifiers and other international fixtures.