Pressure is mounting: UEFA threatens FIFA boss Infantino with an ultimatum

The European Football Union (UEFA) has intensified pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino by sending him a detailed questionnaire containing 42 questions, demanding explanations regarding his plans to sell 20 percent of commercial rights for the World Cup and other competitions for more than four billion dollars. The deadline for answering these questions is set for November 2. The letter was obtained by the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. Infantino has yet to provide documents related to his abandoned plan, which faced heavy criticism before being withdrawn after widespread opposition. Approximately two weeks after the World Cup final in the United States, the FIFA announced in late July its intention to sell part of its commercial rights to investors. However, in the early hours of August 1, Infantino called off the plans amid broad resistance. This latest move represents another step in the power struggle emerging from the investor conflict between Infantino and his European critics. At a crisis meeting of the FIFA Council on October 15 in Zurich, Germany’s federation chief Bernd Neuendorf reportedly received only “thin” responses. The UEFA seeks extensive information on Infantino’s personal compensation package, the handling of the disciplinary proceedings against U.S. striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, business and political ties with Donald Trump and his family, and the operational independence of FIFA’s legal, electoral, and ethics committees. The UEFA has requested U.S. federal courts to approve subpoenas compelling the submission of documents and sworn testimony concerning the abandoned investment plan known as "FIFA Forward Enterprise." While the UEFA acknowledges that the plan has been withdrawn and errors admitted, this would not clarify how key decisions were made. "These questions require answers now," stated the UEFA in its letter. The UEFA aims to obtain clarification on potential conflicts of interest involving Infantino’s business relationships with the Trump family and the attempt to sell World Cup rights to private investors. Specifically, the UEFA is seeking information on collaboration with Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, in connection with the planned sale of World Cup rights to private investors. Another question focuses on the lifted red card of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup and a possible phone call between Infantino and Trump. Additionally, the creation of a FIFA peace prize awarded to Trump is under scrutiny. "These matters raise serious questions regarding potential conflicts of interest, transparency, and institutional accountability," wrote the UEFA in its letter. Documents related to Infantino’s plan to sell the World Cup to investors have not yet been provided. The recent FIFA Council meeting did not yield clarity either. Infantino aims to seek re-election as FIFA president in March, while the UEFA has not yet nominated an opposing candidate, with the deadline for such nominations set for mid-November.