UEFA announces criminal complaint against FIFA President Infantino

The background to the dispute is an ongoing US justice proceeding in which the FIFA chief is being investigated. UEFA had repeatedly criticised this step and sees it as damaging the credibility of the world body. Infantino has faced accusations of abuse of power several times in recent years; the criminal complaint now announced is the sharpest reaction from the European associations to date.

Background of the conflict

At the same time, Infantino received support on Thursday from Saudi Arabia, the financially powerful host of the 2034 World Cup. Observers interpret this backing as a signal that the FIFA president intends to continue his course against pressure from Europe. The supporters from the Gulf state thus play a central role in the struggle over the future direction of world football.

UEFA also announced it was preparing for the FIFA Congress in March 2027. Should Infantino stand for election again, UEFA would "ensure that member associations are offered a credible alternative". The European association is thus openly preparing a counter-candidate for the first time.

Path to the FIFA Congress 2027

The dispute comes at a time when FIFA is already under pressure. Former FIFA President Joseph Blatter was also once confronted with accusations of abuse of power; the experiences of that era had led to calls for more transparent structures within the world body. UEFA now invokes precisely this legacy to justify its stance.

The coming weeks are considered decisive: UEFA must clarify with which public prosecutor's office the complaint is to be filed and what specific accusations it is making against Infantino. In parallel, consultations are underway on possible counter-candidates, although names have not yet been publicly mentioned. Observers expect the conflict to overshadow the upcoming FIFA Council meetings.

Impact on World Cup hosting decisions

The developments also have an impact on World Cup hosting decisions: while Saudi Arabia is confirmed as host of the 2034 World Cup, tensions between UEFA and FIFA could further strain negotiations over future tournaments and reforms in world football. European associations have long demanded greater say in the awarding of major tournaments and in decisions on the distribution of funds.

Overall, it is becoming clear that the conflict goes beyond the personnel dispute. It is about the question of how much influence the European associations can still claim in world sport in the future – and whether FIFA under Infantino will unwaveringly continue its course of greater opening towards new markets in the Middle East and Asia.