US court blocks FIFA subsidiaries from intervening in UEFA probe

A US federal judge on Thursday denied a motion by FIFA's American subsidiaries seeking to intervene in UEFA's investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to court filings. The decision allows UEFA to proceed with efforts to obtain evidence for a potential Swiss criminal prosecution against Infantino relating to an abandoned World Cup commercial-rights arrangement.

FIFA's US-based entities had sought to block UEFA's evidence-gathering activities, arguing they had a stake in the outcome of the case. The judge determined that the subsidiaries lacked sufficient grounds to intervene in the matter, which centres on Infantino's handling of World Cup media and marketing rights.

The investigation stems from a controversial plan to restructure FIFA's commercial operations. Swiss authorities are examining whether Infantino's involvement in the abandoned scheme violated criminal law, prompting UEFA to cooperate with the Swiss investigation by collecting relevant documentation.

The ruling represents a setback for FIFA's efforts to limit the scope of external scrutiny into its internal affairs. Infantino has previously denied any wrongdoing related to the commercial-rights matter, maintaining that all decisions were taken in accordance with FIFA regulations and Swiss law.