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UEFA

Controversies

Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.

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  1. 2026

    UEFA prepares criminal complaint against FIFA president over FFE sell-off plan

    Lawsuit filed

    UEFA filed notices in a Manhattan court indicating it is preparing a criminal complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the failed $20 billion plan to sell stakes in FIFA Forward Enterprise. UEFA delivered a 60-page document to FIFA's Coral Gables headquarters. UEFA is considering criminal proceedings in Switzerland.

    Source excerpt

    • UEFA is now considering criminal proceedings in Switzerland — FIFA’s main headquarters is in Nyon, Switzerland — following a review of available evidence.
    • ESPN reports that the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) filed notices today in a Manhattan court indicating that it’s preparing a criminal complaint against Infantino over the failed $20 billion project.
    • “Infantino is facing accusations of ‘fraudulently’ offering the stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) without due process and consultation with the FIFA hierarchy,” according to ESPN.
    Source

  2. 2022

    Fan criticism follows UEFA-Socios fan token partnership

    Public backlash

    The article reports that the partnership announcement stirred controversy among fans and fan organizations. Critics raised concerns that fan tokens monetize engagement at fans’ expense, create barriers, and are volatile; some also expressed concern about UEFA’s involvement with an under-regulated industry.

    Company response

    • Clarification — UEFA

      In its defence, UEFA stated that “the regional sponsorship and global licensing agreement will not affect Uefa’s strong commitment to continuously engage and discuss relevant matters of interest directly with fan organizations.”

    Source excerpt

    • While some argue that the fan tokens add a barrier to fan engagement with their preferred teams, others say the incentives were already available for free through other schemes. Likewise, many expressed concern about the volatility of fan tokens like many other cryptocurrencies. Some also expressed concern at UEFA’s involvement with an under-regulated industry
    • The announcement has stirred controversy among fans and fan organizations.
    • Socios has been accused of ‘monetizing fan engagement at the expense of match-going fans.’
    Source