**UEFA Seeks US Court Approval for FIFA Documents in Criminal Case Against Infantino**
*Published on August 27, 2026*
In a significant development within the world of football governance, UEFA, the governing body for European football, has filed a request with a federal court in the United States to obtain documents and testimony from FIFA entities based in Florida. This move is part of UEFA's preparations for a potential criminal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as well as other FIFA officials and advisors, in Switzerland.
The request was made through an ex parte application, which allows one party to present its case without the other party being present. UEFA's legal filing indicates that it is contemplating criminal proceedings related to a controversial plan that was intended to transfer commercial rights associated with both the men's and women's World Cups, as well as the Club World Cup, into a newly established subsidiary named FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
According to the court documents, UEFA alleges that Infantino developed this proposal in secrecy, collaborating with a select group of advisors and investors while circumventing FIFA's established governance protocols. The governing body asserts that there was a failure to consult with the FIFA Council, regional confederations, or member associations prior to the proposal's development.
The filing specifically seeks authorization from the US court to conduct a discovery process involving two FIFA-related entities located in Florida: FIFA (AMERICAS), Inc. and FWC2026 US, Inc. UEFA believes that these organizations may hold crucial documents and have witnesses who can provide insights into how the FFE transaction was conceived, structured, valued, and ultimately approved.
UEFA's move comes at a time when Infantino's presidency has faced scrutiny, particularly surrounding the now-abandoned plan that has raised questions about transparency and governance within FIFA. The potential legal action underscores the ongoing tensions between UEFA and FIFA, as well as the broader challenges facing football's global governing body.
As this situation unfolds, the implications for Infantino and FIFA could be significant, particularly if UEFA proceeds with its criminal claims in Switzerland. The outcome of the US court's decision on UEFA's request for documents will likely play a crucial role in shaping the next steps in this developing story.
The case highlights the complexities of governance in international football and raises important questions about accountability at the highest levels of the sport. As UEFA prepares to gather evidence, the football community will be watching closely to see how this legal battle evolves and what it may mean for the future of FIFA and its leadership.