European football governing body UEFA has formally threatened legal action against FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the collapse of a controversial plan to commercialize FIFA’s flagship competitions through a private investment scheme.
In an official legal notice sent to FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, UEFA confirmed that it is “actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints” regarding the now-abandoned “FIFA Forward Enterprise” (FFE) proposal.
Under the proposed FFE initiative, FIFA sought to create a commercial subsidiary valued at $20 billion and sell a 20 percent stake to private investors to raise up to $4.2 billion. The project—backed by investment bank JP Morgan and private equity fund Thrive Eternal—would have handed commercial rights for major tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, to private backing.
The proposal sparked unprecedented outrage across global football. UEFA led a fierce campaign against the initiative, with all 55 member associations threatening a complete boycott of FIFA tournaments. UEFA severely criticized the plan, accusing FIFA of “using our sport to enrich themselves and their friends” and attempting to “sell the soul of football.”
Following intense backlash from continental federations, national associations, and politicians, Infantino announced the withdrawal of the proposal. However, despite the plan being shelved, UEFA has warned FIFA and Infantino to preserve all relevant documents and records in anticipation of potential litigation.
“UEFA hereby gives formal notice that it is actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints arising out of and in connection with the FFE plan proposed by FIFA and all related matters,” the letter states.
“You and FIFA are required to take immediate steps to identify, locate, and preserve all documents and electronically stored information described in this notice that are in your or FIFA’s possession, custody, or control. These obligations arise independently of any internal retention policy you or your organisation maintain and supersede any routine document destruction or deletion policies that would otherwise apply.”
The fallout leaves Infantino facing mounting pressure, with UEFA formally declaring a loss of confidence in his presidency and calling for new leadership at the helm of world football.