UEFA has officially confirmed that it has sent a preservation letter to FIFA regarding Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to private investors. The letter serves as a formal notification for FIFA to retain all relevant data and documents as potential evidence in light of the backlash that followed the announcement.

Details of the Preservation Letter

In an email to Al Jazeera, UEFA stated, “We can confirm that a document preservation letter was sent,” but declined to provide further comments at this time. The preservation letter, also known as a litigation hold letter, is a legal document that informs FIFA of the need to keep all pertinent materials intact, as they may be relevant to potential legal proceedings.

Infantino's proposal, which aimed to raise $4.2 billion from private investors, including New York investment firm Joshua Kushner, was abandoned shortly after it sparked widespread criticism. UEFA led the opposition, with its 55 member federations agreeing to boycott all FIFA events while the proposal was still under consideration. UEFA has been contemplating legal action since the plan was revealed, and the preservation letter indicates that they are serious about pursuing this route.

Legal Implications and Future Actions

The preservation letter, dated Friday and reviewed by The Associated Press, was issued by the New York-based legal firm Dechert. It specifically warns FIFA that any destruction or alteration of relevant materials after receiving the notice could be considered spoliation of evidence. The letter also identifies 18 FIFA executives, including Infantino and chief financial officer Thomas Peyer, as individuals whose communications may be relevant to the potential legal actions.

In addition to the preservation letter, the Swedish football federation has confirmed that UEFA is actively seeking an alternative candidate for the FIFA presidency ahead of the upcoming election scheduled for March. This move underscores UEFA's commitment to addressing the fallout from Infantino’s proposal and its broader implications for the governance of international football.