Criminal Proceedings Filed Against FIFA President Infantino in Switzerland

Criminal proceedings have been opened against FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Switzerland, with prosecutors alleging "criminal mismanagement" in connection with a plan to sell a stake in FIFA's commercial World Cup operations to external investors.

The case was triggered by a complaint from an unnamed party — believed to be connected to dissident members within FIFA's governance structure — who objected to the financial arrangement. Swiss authorities, who have jurisdiction over FIFA as the organisation is headquartered in Zurich, confirmed the proceedings were underway.

The allegations centre on a proposed deal that would have seen a private equity consortium acquire a minority stake in a vehicle controlling FIFA's World Cup broadcast and sponsorship revenues. Critics argued the arrangement would have undervalued FIFA's long-term commercial rights and disadvantaged its member associations.

FIFA and Infantino denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson said Infantino was confident the proceedings would confirm the legality of all actions taken. This is not the first legal scrutiny Infantino has faced — a separate investigation by a Swiss special prosecutor regarding meetings with then-Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber was eventually dropped.

The case adds to a period of turbulence for FIFA governance, which has faced criticism over the expanded 48-team World Cup format, host nation selections, and the proposed FIFA Club World Cup.