UEFA has set a November 2 deadline for FIFA to provide detailed documents and answers regarding governance concerns linked to President Gianni Infantino’s aborted World Cup investment plan, escalating tensions between the two football governing bodies. The demand comes amid ongoing criticism of Infantino’s handling of the controversial $4.2 billion FIFA Forward Enterprise project, which was launched and swiftly withdrawn in July following strong opposition, particularly from European members.

At a recent FIFA Council meeting, Infantino apologized for the plan but did not fully clarify its development or decision-making process. In response, UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis sent an eight-page letter to FIFA outlining 42 specific questions covering a range of issues including private investments in FIFA Forward Enterprise, Infantino’s remuneration, financial dealings with singer Marc Anthony, the disciplinary case of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, and the role of former U.S. President Donald Trump and his family in FIFA’s affairs.

UEFA’s letter emphasized that the explanations offered so far were insufficient and criticized the lack of transparency regarding how key decisions were made and why the FIFA Council was excluded at crucial stages. The letter stressed that answers could not be postponed until the next Council meeting scheduled for December 16, 16 days after the nomination deadline for candidates in the FIFA presidential election set for March 18, 2027. UEFA warned that future governance reforms cannot replace accountability for past decisions.

While UEFA has called for full disclosure by November 2 to allow member federations to evaluate FIFA’s response ahead of candidate nominations, FIFA has not committed to meeting this deadline. A FIFA spokesperson stated that the Council’s meetings and related documents are confidential and insisted that responses would be provided without breaching these confidentiality rules. The spokesperson also declined to discuss internal communications publicly, emphasizing respect for Council procedures.

Among UEFA’s concerns is the perceived lack of independence in FIFA’s governance and electoral processes. The letter raised questions about the chair of the electoral committee, Bruno Chiomento, noting his longstanding personal relationship with Infantino and his full World Cup presence funded by FIFA, which UEFA implies may affect impartiality.

The dispute reflects broader dissatisfaction within UEFA toward Infantino’s leadership, with European officials signaling intent to support a credible alternative candidate in the upcoming presidential election if their inquiries remain unresolved. Critics argue that without transparent answers and accountability, Infantino’s position may be increasingly precarious.

FIFA, meanwhile, has described UEFA’s actions as harassment, particularly the European body’s efforts to seek U.S. court subpoenas for documents and testimonies related to the abandoned investment plan. The ongoing exchange underscores rising tensions between FIFA’s global leadership and its influential European members as the governing body approaches a pivotal election year.