A failed proposal to sell private investors a stake in FIFA’s World Cup business has landed in federal court in Miami, where European soccer officials are seeking documents for a possible criminal complaint in Switzerland.
The Union of European Football Associations, or UEFA, filed an application in the Southern District of Florida seeking records and testimony from FIFA Americas Inc. and FWC2026 US Inc., which operate from FIFA offices in Coral Gables. The filing is a request for court-authorized discovery, not a criminal prosecution in the United States.
No criminal charge has been filed against FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
A related action filed in Manhattan seeks information from Thrive Capital Management, the investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner that was expected to lead the private investment.
At the center of the dispute is FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed subsidiary that would have managed commercial operations involving FIFA tournaments, including broadcast, sponsorship, licensing, ticketing and hospitality rights. Under the proposal, private investors would have paid approximately $4.2 billion for a 20% interest in the company.
FIFA says the plan was intended to generate more money for soccer development across its 211 member associations. Infantino described the project as a “golden opportunity” but said it would proceed only with member approval.
UEFA alleges the proposed transaction may have undervalued FIFA’s commercial assets and raises questions about how the deal was developed and presented. Those allegations have not been proven in court and is seeking communications among FIFA, Thrive Capital, potential investors and advisers, along with financial models, valuation work, investor materials and records from a July 18 meeting at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan.
FIFA abandoned the project after opposition from UEFA and other soccer organizations. FIFA subsequently assured UEFA that the proposal had been “irrevocably and permanently withdrawn.” UEFA nevertheless wants an independent external review with access to the project’s records and decision-making process.
FIFA has moved to intervene in the Florida proceeding and has characterized UEFA’s legal effort as part of a “smear campaign.” It argues that no Swiss proceeding is currently active and that internal soccer disputes should be resolved through arbitration.
The Miami court has not determined whether UEFA is entitled to the requested evidence or whether any misconduct occurred.
FIFA. The $4.2 billion deal collapsed, but questions about its valuation, investors and development have followed FIFA to federal court in Miami.