Gianni Infantino lost a New York court battle on Thursday granting UEFA rights to gather evidence for a potential criminal case.
The global football body lost a New York court case against UEFA, De Telegraaf reported on November 12, 2026. An American judge ruled that the European governing body holds the right to obtain evidence for a potential criminal case against FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The legal dispute centers on Infantino’s commercialization plans, which have since been withdrawn. Investment firm Thrive Capital and investment bank JP Morgan were involved in the Swiss FIFA leader’s plans to grant private investors stakes in the World Cup, according to De Telegraaf.
Those American subsidiaries unsuccessfully attempted to block UEFA from gaining access to testimonies and documents. The judge ruled that those FIFA-linked parties possess no “legally protectable interest,” De Telegraaf reported.
The Financial Times reported in July that the world governing body presented the scheme as a support measure for smaller football associations, while Infantino stood to profit personally and financially, VI noted. He involved bank JP Morgan and United States President Donald Trump in shaping and presenting the plan.
UEFA requires a separate judicial decision to actually obtain access to the files. De Telegraaf said that the European body withdrew its confidence in Infantino following the controversial plans and now seeks evidence of culpable misconduct by the Swiss official.
Investment firm Thrive Capital and bank JP Morgan wanted to prevent UEFA, which voiced fierce opposition to Infantino’s share plan, from viewing testimonies and documents. The European football body received permission to collect evidence for a potential criminal case against Infantino while continuing to seek a separate ruling.
The United States Congress may summon the FIFA president as early as January to answer questions regarding his close ties to President Donald Trump, VOETBALZONE reported on November 10, 2026.
FIFA maintained that Infantino has always paid his household staff expenses himself.
FIFA emphasized that discussions with the American committee proceeded smoothly. “FIFA has had good discussions with members of the committee and continues to do so,” the governing body said. “We have received no indication that they are dissatisfied with our cooperation.”
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