New York: Global soccer body FIFA has launched a legal fightback against European counterpart UEFA, accusing it of conducting a "smear campaign" and a "fishing expedition." The dispute centers on UEFA's request for US judges to compel FIFA to disclose internal documents regarding a controversial, now-abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

The prospective deal, unveiled in July with prospective lead investor Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital firm, sparked massive opposition. UEFA went so far as to threaten a World Cup boycott until the plan was scrapped. Though FIFA quickly aborted the initiative, UEFA is preparing potential legal proceedings in Switzerland against FIFA President Gianni Infantino for alleged "criminal mismanagement."

To build its case, UEFA filed requests in three US states to force document disclosures from FIFA, its partners, and Infantino. UEFA stated that if granted access to these records, it intends to bring formal charges in a Swiss court.

In response, FIFA petitioned US judges for permission to contest the requests. In filings reviewed by AFP, FIFA argued:

"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."

FIFA's legal team asserted that UEFA lacks legal standing to demand internal files because no active criminal proceedings exist, UEFA suffered no direct financial loss, and the move illegally bypasses Swiss courts by applying directly to US judges. Furthermore, releasing communications involving Infantino and key advisors "would directly threaten FIFA's interests and reveal sensitive and proprietary information," according to the documents.

The dispute highlights a deepening political rift as UEFA, supported by North and Central America's CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), seeks to challenge Infantino's bid for a fourth term next March. UEFA previously labeled the investment proposal a "shady, opaque backroom deal."

Also read: Infantino ‘deceived staff’: FIFA COO Kevin Lamour exits amid World Cup sale controversy 

In a collaborative joint letter issued last month, the three confederations criticized the current regime, writing:

"Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding -- or demanding -- power to be held."

UEFA further stated:

"FIFA must once again be governed as an institution serving football -- not operate as an instrument of individual power."

FIFA maintains that the legal motions are meritless tactics, with one court filing summarizing:

"This application is yet another step in UEFA's smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership." (AFP)