FIFA’s abandoned investment proposal remains under scrutiny from UEFA.
Council members can inspect key papers in Zurich as UEFA pursues questions over Gianni Infantino’s abandoned private investment proposal.
FIFA will let its Council members inspect key documents concerning its abandoned World Cup investment plan. A source close to the governing body said members would have access at FIFA’s Zurich headquarters.
The arrangement covers FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposal championed by president Gianni Infantino. It would have opened FIFA’s leading competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.
Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom informed Council members of the arrangement in a letter on Monday. Members have two weeks to request access, with inspections taking place in person under specified conditions.
The Council has 37 members, including Infantino and eight vice-presidents. The access offer extends to all of them.
UEFA presses World Cup investment questions
Meanwhile, UEFA’s November 2 deadline for FIFA to answer questions about the proposal passed on Monday. FIFA did not respond before that deadline, arguing that the timetable was impractical.
UEFA has led opposition to the project since its emergence in late July. Infantino subsequently dropped the proposal following an outcry, but the European governing body has continued seeking information.
It has also approached a Florida court to gather evidence for a possible criminal mismanagement complaint against Infantino in Switzerland.
Following the October 15 FIFA Council meeting, UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis wrote to Grafstrom. His letter contained more than 40 questions and requests for information about FIFA Forward Enterprise.
The letter also questioned FIFA’s decision to award a Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump. Another issue concerned the suspension of United States player Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card following Trump’s intervention.
Infantino heads towards re-election bid
Meanwhile, Infantino plans to seek another term as FIFA president next March. Rival candidates have until November 18 to declare, but UEFA has yet to find a credible challenger.
The Asian Football Confederation strengthened Infantino’s position by announcing its support for his re-election on October 23.
CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani had emerged as a possible contender. However, the Canadian has announced plans to seek another term leading the North American confederation, making a FIFA challenge unlikely.
Former Switzerland defender Ramon Vega has also expressed willingness to stand. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic player still needs the necessary support for a candidacy.
