FIFA has accused European football's governing body, UEFA, of orchestrating a "smear campaign" and engaging in a "fishing expedition" through legal requests aimed at obtaining documents related to FIFA's now-abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to investors. The global football organization is fighting UEFA's efforts to gather evidence in United States courts, arguing that such demands are baseless and intended to damage FIFA and its leadership.

FIFA's controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup was unveiled in July and met with significant opposition across the sport. UEFA had threatened a boycott of the World Cup if the plan proceeded. Following the backlash, FIFA quickly withdrew the proposal. However, UEFA has continued its pursuit, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino facing potential legal action in Switzerland for alleged "criminal mismanagement."

Last week, UEFA submitted requests in three U.S. states to compel FIFA and its partners, including prospective investor Thrive Capital, to disclose documents pertinent to the failed investor plan. UEFA stated that if successful, it intended to file a legal complaint in Switzerland, believing the case would meet the criteria for a Swiss court hearing.

In response, FIFA has filed its own requests with U.S. judges, seeking to oppose UEFA's demands. FIFA's filings assert that UEFA's applications are "little more than press releases in further support of UEFA’s smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership." FIFA contends that UEFA lacks the right to demand internal documents because no criminal proceedings have been initiated in Switzerland or elsewhere, and even if they had, UEFA has not suffered any financial loss, thus lacking legal standing.

FIFA's legal team further alleges that UEFA bypassed established Swiss legal channels by applying directly to U.S. courts. The disclosure of the requested documents, which could include correspondence involving Infantino and other FIFA personnel and advisors, "would directly threaten FIFA’s interests and reveal sensitive and proprietary information," according to FIFA's filings.

UEFA has been a vocal critic of Infantino, describing the investor proposal as a "shady, opaque backroom deal." The European body has openly expressed a desire to see Infantino removed from his position. Infantino, who was seeking re-election unopposed for a fourth term in March, had hoped for a successful World Cup.

Despite UEFA's strong opposition, FIFA's failed investor plan did receive support from other confederations, notably the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), indicating a division within global football governance.

The legal battle in the U.S. highlights the ongoing tensions between FIFA and UEFA, particularly concerning FIFA's strategic and financial decisions. The outcome of FIFA's request to block UEFA's document discovery could significantly impact the trajectory of any future legal challenges and the broader relationship between the two powerful football organizations.