FIFA has accused European football's governing body, UEFA, of orchestrating a "misinformation campaign" and attempting to sway the upcoming FIFA presidential election. The global football body's accusation comes as part of a legal dispute in the United States concerning FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposed investment plan for World Cup commercial rights.

Last month, UEFA requested a U.S. federal court to allow them to gather testimony and documents. This was intended for use in a planned criminal complaint in Switzerland against Infantino related to a now-canceled proposal to transfer World Cup commercial rights into a subsidiary named FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

In its response filed on Tuesday, FIFA argued that UEFA's request contained "numerous false or misleading statements about FIFA and Infantino." FIFA stated that UEFA's claims of Infantino seeking personal profit from the FFE proposal were "categorically without merit." The organization emphasized that the FFE plan required approval from FIFA's member associations and the FIFA Council, and would have been subject to oversight by these bodies.

The legal battle highlights a growing governance crisis within international football. UEFA had alleged that Infantino developed the FFE proposal secretly with a small group, bypassing standard governance procedures and failing to consult key FIFA bodies. The European body claimed investors would have paid $4.2 billion for a stake in FFE, valuing the business at approximately $20 billion, which UEFA argued significantly undervalued FIFA's commercial rights.

FIFA countered UEFA's valuation claims by explaining the difference between "equity value" and "enterprise value." FIFA asserted that the "initial equity valuation" was $20 billion, but the total "enterprise value" – representing the entire business value – was well over $30 billion, exceeding what UEFA deemed fair.

The FFE project was ultimately abandoned in July after opposition from several confederations, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC. The primary concern cited by these bodies was the lack of consultation, which fueled demands for reforms in FIFA's governance structures.

This dispute and the accusations of a misinformation campaign underscore the significant friction between FIFA and UEFA. The situation is unfolding as Infantino seeks a fourth term as FIFA president, with UEFA's actions potentially impacting the election dynamics.

Further details regarding the legal proceedings and the specific nature of the alleged misinformation campaign are expected to emerge as the court considers FIFA's response to UEFA's discovery request.