UEFA escalates FIFA battle with potential criminal case against Gianni Infantino

UEFA is preparing to bring a criminal complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino over alleged mismanagement linked to the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise plan.

According to The Guardian, the move marks a major escalation in tensions between football's governing bodies, with UEFA seeking documents in the United States connected to the creation and development of the plan.

UEFA has filed separate applications for information from several parties, including FIFA, as it considers legal action in Switzerland.

According to documents cited by The Guardian, UEFA and other interested parties are “preparing to bring criminal claims in Switzerland against Infantino and possible other FIFA officials and advisors for criminal mismanagement under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code”.

The organisation is using a US legal mechanism known as a “section 1782” order to seek the documents, that allows a party involved in, or preparing for, foreign legal proceedings to request evidence or information held by individuals or organisations based in the US.

The potential complaint centres on Infantino's failed FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which has already contributed to growing tensions between UEFA and FIFA.