A United States federal court dismissed a bid by two FIFA subsidiaries to prevent UEFA from securing evidence for a potential legal case against FIFA president Gianni Infantino over a failed World Cup commercial rights project.
U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas of the Southern District of New York rejected the motion on Thursday, ruling that the two American entities lack a direct legal interest in the matter, according to the court order. The subsidiaries argued they needed to protect confidential information and internal communications, but the judge stated those documents and trade secrets belong to the Swiss parent organization rather than the U.S. branches.
The subsidiaries sought to freeze the case pending the resolution of a parallel litigation in Florida, where FIFA maintains a U.S. office. UEFA requested access to documents and key information related to the tournament privatization plan in both courts for transfer to Swiss authorities.
Subpoenas target financial firms over secret project
In the New York docket, UEFA’s document requests directly target financial firms Thrive Capital Management and J.P. Morgan. The European governing body accuses the financial institutions of advising and structuring the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal in secret.
FIFA proposed creating the venture shortly after the conclusion of the last World Cup to sell commercial rights for the tournament. The initiative carried an estimated valuation of $20 billion. However, the project ultimately collapsed due to sharp opposition from multiple confederations.
The failed venture leaves Infantino in a precarious position as he campaigns for a fourth term leading world soccer.
Member associations prepare for FIFA presidential election
The governance battle intensifies as member associations prepare for the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 18, 2027.
Swiss prosecutors continue to examine aspects surrounding the aborted commercial rights vehicle. Meanwhile, legal proceedings in New York and Florida move forward as UEFA pursues the financial records held by U.S.-based entities connected to the disputed enterprise.
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