FIFA has accused UEFA of waging a smear campaign against the governing body and its president, Gianni Infantino. The escalation follows a dispute over an abandoned proposal to sell a stake in the organization's commercial rights.
The tension between the two football associations has grown since Infantino scrapped a $20 billion plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors. FIFA asserts that UEFA's legal applications to access documents related to the failed plan are part of an effort to smear the global soccer governing body.
The dispute has now reached a US court, where UEFA is seeking permission to obtain testimony and documents. These materials are intended for a possible lawsuit and criminal proceedings in Switzerland.
FIFA has responded by asking the US court to defer UEFA's request or permit FIFA to oppose the application.