Swiss prosecutors have confirmed that UEFA is preparing a criminal complaint against Gianni Infantino, the president of football’s world governing body, over a controversial $4.2 billion transaction that sought to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial arm.
The Proposed Investment
The plan, championed by venture‑capital firm Thrive Capital Management, envisioned a $4.2 billion infusion for a 20 percent stake in the subsidiary. Joshua Kushner, the firm’s founder, was identified as the driving force behind the deal, which promised a hefty return for investors.
Rising Opposition
The proposal quickly attracted criticism from football’s governing bodies, including UEFA, which warned that the price might be artificially low and could amount to personal enrichment for Infantino. The backlash culminated in the abandonment of the sale after a wave of global protest.
Criminal Inquiry in Switzerland
Swiss authorities are now examining whether the transaction constitutes criminal mismanagement under local law. The investigation focuses on allegations that the sale price was manipulated to benefit Infantino personally, a claim that could trigger charges of fraud or breach of fiduciary duty.
If charges are filed, the case could set a precedent for how international sports federations handle large‑scale financial deals, underscoring the need for greater transparency and accountability within bodies that wield substantial economic power.