UEFA orders FIFA officials to preserve records as investment plan dispute intensifies

UEFA has warned FIFA president Gianni Infantino and other figures linked to a controversial investment plan that they could face legal action if records connected to the proposal are deleted, altered or destroyed.

The European governing body has formally notified Infantino that it is seriously considering court proceedings, arbitration or regulatory complaints over FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a project involving the proposed sale of stakes in World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors.

The warning was also sent to Joshua Kushner, Greg Maffei, JPMorgan and OpenEconomics, according to The Telegraph, which has seen the letter.

UEFA has instructed FIFA to identify and preserve all documents, electronic data and other material relating to the project. It said those obligations applied regardless of any internal FIFA policies concerning the retention or disposal of records.

The letter cautioned that deleting, destroying, changing, concealing or losing relevant material after the notice had been received could be treated as destruction of evidence. UEFA said that could lead to claims for damages and further legal proceedings.

It also reserved the right to seek legal penalties, request adverse inferences against any parties found to have breached the instructions, and recover all legal costs arising from the destruction of documents.

The dispute marks an unprecedented escalation between UEFA and FIFA, after opposition to the proposed investment structure spread among continental and national football organisations.

Infantino abandoned the plan on Saturday after a major backlash, particularly following the disclosure that figures close to US President Donald Trump were involved in the initiative.

UEFA led the opposition. On Thursday, it said all 55 of its member associations would boycott the World Cup if FIFA went ahead with the proposal. The organisation later indicated that it would seek to bring an end to Infantino’s time as FIFA president.

Warning issued to senior FIFA figures

The UEFA notice names a number of people believed to hold documents or information relating to the project. It asked FIFA to ensure that each person retained all material in their possession or under their control.

The list includes:

– Gianni Infantino, FIFA president – Arsene Wenger, FIFA chief of global football development – Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA secretary general – Kevin Lamour, chief operating officer

Lamour was included after saying on Friday that he and several other FIFA officials “were deceived” about the project.

UEFA has asked FIFA to confirm receipt of the notice within five working days. It wants written confirmation that the letter has been received and understood, that the necessary preservation measures have been taken, and that an individual has been appointed to oversee compliance.

It has also requested disclosure of any documents or data that may already have been deleted or destroyed.

FIFA announced details of FIFA Forward Enterprise on Tuesday, including the individuals and organisations involved in seeking potential investors.

Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Trump, was expected to lead the proposed group of investors through his Thrive Capital fund.

The project also listed Greg Maffei, a Trump campaign donor and chief executive of Pan Ventures. Maffei previously served as president and chief executive of Liberty Media when the company acquired Formula 1.

FIFA said JPMorgan and OpenEconomics would also help identify possible investors for the scheme.

The Telegraph contacted FIFA for an official response to the latest developments, but no reply had been received.