UEFA demands FIFA explain WC sell-off plan, Balogun red reversal

UEFA sent a letter dated October 19 to FIFA, demanding responses to 42 questions by November 2, covering Gianni Infantino's failed plan to raise $20 billion by partially selling off the World Cup to private equity firm Thrive Capital, the overturning of a red card for USMNT forward Folarin Balogun during the 2026 tournament, and FIFA's decision to award a newly created FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump. UEFA had previously threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions over Infantino's unilateral fundraising attempt involving Thrive Capital, led by Josh Kushner, but withdrew the threat after receiving assurances from FIFA. The letter, sent by UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis to FIFA counterpart Mattias Grafström, cites serious concerns about FIFA's governance and decision-making.