Trump at centre of Infantino World Cup sell-off plot as UEFA poses 42 questions
UEFA has posed 42 questions to FIFA over Gianni Ifantino’s alleged ‘conflicts of interest’ in business dealings with Trump and the World Cup sell-off plot, which was abandoned after a huge backlash
UEFA wants 42 questions answering(Image: Dan Mullan, Getty Images)
European football bosses have demanded answers about Gianni Infantino’s alleged “conflicts of interest” over business dealings with the Trump family and the World Cup sell-off attempt.
In the letter, obtained by Sky News, UEFA includes a list of 42 questions to FIFA after Mr Infantino had a meeting of the world football’s council last week. UEFA writes: “A series of decisions, transactions and interventions involving the FIFA President, the President of the United States and individuals associated with him raise serious questions concerning potential conflicts of interest, transparency and institutional accountability.”
It suggests there are concerns about Mr Infantino’s discussions with Donald Trump and associates over the creation of a FIFA cryptocurrency, which was reported by Sky News in February.
UEFA says there are concerns about Mr Infantino’s discussions with Donald Trump(Image: AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
UEFA also wants answers on:
- Mr Trump’s call to Mr Infantino before US striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban was lifted at the World Cup
- Working with Joshua Kushner – the brother of Mr Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner – on selling 20% of the World Cup to private investors
- Creating a FIFA Peace Prize for Mr Trump without the FIFA Council’s approval
- Leasing offices in Trump Tower that UEFA claims are unused for much of the year despite costing $4m over seven years
- Announcing a $75m investment in Palestine during Mr Trump’s Board of Peace meeting in February without the FIFA Council or finance committee’s approval
- Arranging a World Cup sponsorship with a sports prediction company with reported links to Donald Trump Jr
- Mr Trump’s daughter and grandson being involved in the 2025 Club World Cup draw
Not so golden now(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
UEFA said to FIFA: “These matters, taken together, raise questions that extend beyond the ordinary institutional relationship between FIFA and the government of a World Cup host country.
“Could FIFA provide a detailed explanation of these arrangements and interventions, including the decision-making processes followed, the identification and management of any potential conflicts of interest, the financial implications for FIFA and the extent to which the competent FIFA bodies were informed or consulted?”
UEFA also wants a independent investigation into the World Cup sell-off, which was abandoned by Mr Infantino after the huge backlash.
UEFA said: “The continued reluctance to undertake such an investigation risks further undermining confidence in FIFA’s transparency and governance, not only among its MAs but also among players, coaches and supporters worldwide. These concerns inevitably undermine our trust placed in the FIFA President’s personal motivation and leadership and therefore his ability to unite our associations going forward.”
UEFA wants to get rid of Mr Infantino, however, it is yet to put forward a candidate for the FIFA presidential election in March. The deadline is a month away.
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