Division, drama and power - what next for Infantino and Uefa?

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that the dispute between Uefa and Fifa president Gianni Infantino has escalated after Uefa lawyers filed court papers in the United States over his shelved plan to sell stakes in Fifa competitions to private investors. The documents use highly critical language about the proposed Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, which Uefa says undervalued the World Cup and was handled without a proper open process or independent valuation. Uefa is seeking access to evidence and communications linked to the plan, including material from Fifa, investor group Thrive Capital, its founder Josh Kushner, and former Formula 1 chief Greg Maffei.

The move marks a sharper phase in a long-running power struggle inside world football. Infantino had already faced public criticism from former players, politicians and fan groups, while some stakeholders had pushed him to step aside. Uefa has now said it wants broader reform of Fifa governance and an outside review of the investment plan. The article notes that Fifa has not publicly responded to the latest legal threat and has said it is focused on the upcoming U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

According to BBC Sport, Infantino still retains support in parts of South America, Africa and Asia, and could seek a fourth term in next year’s presidential election. Uefa has warned it may back an alternative candidate if he runs again. The report places the dispute against a backdrop of repeated friction between Uefa and Fifa over authority, transparency and football’s commercial direction.