UEFA mulls criminal case against FIFA chief Infantino

UEFA is considering taking criminal action against FIFA President Gianni Infantino concerning a failed proposal to transfer World Cup commercial rights to Fifa Forward Enterprise, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The European football confederation's deliberation centres on a plan that would have redirected valuable broadcasting and commercial revenues from major tournaments to the FIFA Forward initiative. The scheme was ultimately abandoned, but the circumstances surrounding its conception and eventual cancellation have drawn scrutiny from UEFA leadership.

The potential criminal complaint represents a significant escalation in tensions between UEFA and FIFA's administration. World Cup commercial rights represent one of international football's most lucrative assets, and any irregular handling of such agreements would be subject to intensive review by football's governing bodies and potentially national authorities.

Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and has overseen significant reforms to the world governing body's operations. However, his tenure has occasionally been marked by controversial decisions and proposals that have drawn criticism from continental confederations including UEFA.

Neither UEFA nor FIFA officials have made formal public statements regarding the potential proceedings at this stage. The matter is expected to undergo further deliberation within UEFA's administrative structures in coming weeks.