On November 12, 2026, a New York judge ruled that UEFA has the right to obtain evidence for a potential criminal case against Gianni Infantino, as reported by De Telegraaf.
The legal battle centers on Infantino’s previously withdrawn commercialization plans, which sought to sell private investors’ stakes in the World Cup through an entity called Forward Enterprise (FFE). Investment firm Thrive Capital and investment bank JP Morgan were involved in the Swiss FIFA boss’s plans to grant private investors interests in the World Cup, according to Voetbal International.
During the proceedings, those American subsidiaries attempted to block UEFA from gaining access to testimonies and documents concerning the matter. However, the court determined that the FIFA-linked parties possess no legally protectable interest in restricting the documents. Voetbal International said that while the European governing body secured permission to gather evidence, it still requires a separate judicial decision to officially inspect the files.
The controversy stems from Infantino’s efforts to bring private investors into World Cup commercial rights, a strategy presented as financial support for smaller football associations but which critics argued could benefit the Swiss official personally. Following the contested plans, UEFA withdrew its trust in Infantino. The European body is actively seeking proof of culpable conduct as Infantino campaigns for a fourth term as FIFA president.
According to VOETBALZONE, the FIFA president risks being summoned before the United States Congress as early as January. House Democrats, who secured a majority in the midterm elections, are advancing an inquiry led by Representative Jamie Raskin into Infantino’s close ties with President Donald Trump and various transactions involving the governing body.
The congressional probe, initiated by a letter from Raskin on July 26, examines whether FIFA funds or non-profit resources were used for personal purposes. Headliner reported that investigators are scrutinizing communications between FIFA, the Trump administration, and the Trump Organization.
The committee is specifically reviewing payments connected to the World Cup and potential meetings regarding the sale of tournament rights to a company owned by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Additional scrutiny arose from reports regarding a domestic worker in Infantino’s Miami home. Documents cited by The Telegraph indicate that a woman was placed on FIFA’s payroll while working as household help for the FIFA president. FIFA has consistently maintained that Infantino personally pays all costs for his household staff.
The investigation further encompasses questions surrounding Infantino’s decision to award Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. While committee members previously criticized Infantino for providing insufficient cooperation, the football body has pushed back against those characterizations.
“FIFA has held good discussions with committee members and continues to do so,” the world governing body said. “We have received no indication that they are dissatisfied with our cooperation.”
While the American subsidiaries for Thrive Capital and JP Morgan failed to shield internal documents from UEFA, the European body must overcome additional procedural hurdles in US courts to secure complete transparency. Headliner said that the departure of legal director Emilio García Silvero coincides with the expanding probe, and he may be called as a material witness.
Infantino remains a candidate for re-election, with his fourth term slated for a vote in March.
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