FIFA loses bid to block UEFA evidence gathering against Infantino

A New York judge has dismissed soccer governing body FIFA's attempts to shield its president from investigation. Europe's UEFA is seeking evidence of wrongdoing by Gianni Infantino.

UEFA filed for discovery in the case in August with the intent of removing Infantino from office and has said it will file a criminal complaint against the embattled soccer boss in Switzerland if it finds evidence of financial wrongdoing. UEFA is seeking discovery of evidence from Infantino's partners in the so-called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, a plan that instantly sparked fierce backlash when it became public in July.

Two FIFA subsidiaries had sought to block UEFA's efforts, but Vargas ruled they had no "direct, substantial and legally protectable interest" in the case, which is specifically aimed at Infantino and his dealings. "Nothing in this record indicates that the US FIFA parties, or even FIFA itself, will be parties in the contemplated criminal proceedings," according to Vargas.