Fifa accuses Uefa of 'smear campaign' against Infantino

A dispute between football's world and European governing bodies has escalated after Uefa filed papers in a US court last week seeking disclosure of evidence and documents from Fifa related to potential criminal claims in Switzerland.

Uefa had accused Fifa president Gianni Infantino of "criminal mismanagement" and of promoting a "fraudulently off-market price" for his own benefit, in connection with the now-abandoned Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme.

Fifa has now responded with its own US court filing, seen by the BBC, asking a court to oppose Uefa's application by the end of the month. Fifa said it had made clear that FFE was only a proposal, one that could only have proceeded with support from a majority of member associations and approval from the Fifa Council.

In the filing, Fifa said that instead of taking part in that democratic process, Uefa issued a press release marking the start of what it called a weeks-long smear campaign against Fifa and its leadership. Fifa also alleged that Uefa's motivation was economic, aimed at preventing smaller nations from gaining the financial strength to compete with Europe's elite clubs, arguing that strengthening the sport in developing countries would increase global competition and reduce Uefa's market power.

Uefa has been approached for comment. Separately, Uefa has asked a New York court to approve an order compelling testimony and documents from venture capitalist Joshua Kushner and his company Thrive Eternal. Kushner, brother of Donald Trump's son-in-law, had been lined up as lead investor in a proposed $4.2bn deal for a 20% stake in a new Fifa commercial subsidiary, an idea dropped days after it became public in July following heavy criticism.

Uefa has led opposition to Infantino, who now faces calls to resign from three separate confederations.