FIFA has hit back at UEFA, accusing the European football governing body of conducting a 'smear campaign' and a 'fishing expedition' after UEFA asked US judges to force FIFA to hand over documents related to its failed World Cup investor plan.

The global football body's divisive plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to investors, unveiled in July, triggered a huge backlash across the sport. UEFA threatened to boycott the World Cup unless the plan was scrapped, and although FIFA quickly aborted the plans in response to the backlash, UEFA is now preparing possible legal action against FIFA President Gianni Infantino for alleged 'criminal mismanagement'.

Last week, UEFA filed requests in three US states seeking the disclosure of documents related to the plan from FIFA and partners, including prospective lead investor Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital firm. If successful in gaining access to the documents, UEFA said it intends to lodge a legal complaint in Switzerland, claiming it has been assured the case would meet the requirements to be heard in a Swiss court.

However, FIFA has asked US judges for permission to contest the UEFA requests. In its filings, FIFA argues that 'while these applications are styled as legal pleadings with captions and docket numbers, they are little more than press releases in further support of UEFA's smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership.' The filings also state that UEFA does not have the right to demand FIFA internal documents because no criminal proceedings yet exist in Switzerland or elsewhere, and even if they did, UEFA would lack legal standing as it has suffered no financial loss.

FIFA further accuses UEFA of illegally bypassing Swiss courts by applying directly to US courts. Disclosure of the documents, including correspondence involving Infantino and other named FIFA personnel and advisors, 'would directly threaten FIFA's interests and reveal sensitive and proprietary information,' according to the filings.

UEFA has made no secret of its desire to remove Infantino, who had hoped to be re-elected unopposed for a fourth and final term next March after a highly successful World Cup. UEFA was the harshest critic, describing his proposal as a 'shady, opaque backroom deal,' but it has found solid support from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani is widely seen as the likeliest challenger to Infantino. The three confederations have kept up the pressure and collaborated on a joint letter issued on August 10, stating: 'Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding – or demanding – power to be held.' UEFA added: 'FIFA must once again be governed as an institution serving football – not operate as an instrument of individual power.' FIFA has repeatedly disputed these claims, summarizing one filing as 'yet another step in UEFA's smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership.'

Source: www.aljazeera.com