Uefa files Swiss criminal complaint over World Cup investment plan

European football's governing body has applied to Swiss authorities for access to evidence in a criminal case against Fifa and its president. The application alleges Gianni Infantino unveiled a plan to sell World Cup commercial rights without consulting member associations, and that the scheme was developed in secret. Further details are expected to emerge as the proceedings progress.

The complaint centres on a proposed restructuring that would have channelled commercial rights for the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup into a new entity called Fifa Forward Enterprise. Uefa's application contends that Infantino acted unilaterally, bypassing established governance channels including the Fifa Council, all confederations, and every one of the 211 member associations.

The plan, which has since been abandoned, was reportedly in development for more than a year before its public unveiling. Uefa's request for access to Swiss evidence suggests the organisation believes the scheme was conducted outside proper oversight and is seeking to establish the full extent of the alleged secrecy surrounding its conception.