UEFA is taking steps to file a formal legal complaint against Gianni Infantino, president of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), over allegations of criminal mismanagement related to an attempt to sell rights linked to the FIFA World Cup. The European football governing body has ended its previous boycott of FIFA tournaments but is now pursuing action following the emergence of a leaked report suggesting Infantino planned to sell an undervalued stake in the World Cup for personal gain.

The controversy centers on accusations that Infantino’s conduct compromised the integrity of the World Cup’s commercial arrangements. UEFA officials have expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership and are mobilizing support among member associations to challenge his presidency ahead of the upcoming FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027.

While UEFA had earlier distanced itself from FIFA events as a form of protest against Infantino’s administration, the current approach involves a more direct legal and political confrontation. UEFA's complaint, reportedly focusing on potential criminal mismanagement, marks a significant escalation in the dispute within football’s governing hierarchy.

The FIFA president has not publicly responded to the allegations. UEFA’s renewed engagement with FIFA’s competitive calendar suggests a strategic shift to influence reform from within the system, rather than through isolation. The development highlights growing tensions between UEFA and FIFA’s leadership at a critical time for global football governance.