European soccer’s governing body is preparing a criminal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino for alleged “criminal mismanagement,” following the spectacular collapse of his effort to sell private stakes in the World Cup.
In Thursday’s court filings, UEFA attorneys accused Infantino and a “small circle” of devising the now-scrapped vehicle for personal profit, marking a dramatic escalation in the monthslong crisis roiling international soccer. UEFA also sought to subpoena Thrive Capital, the firm founded by the brother of US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
The move heightens pressure on Infantino, who is facing growing calls to resign, though Saudi Arabia’s soccer federation backed him on Thursday. Still, the European Leagues president told The Athletic, “There is no future at FIFA for Infantino.”
— Brendan Ruberry
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