Uefa is preparing criminal claims in Switzerland against Fifa president Gianni Infantino over his unsuccessful Fifa Forward Enterprise plan, alleging possible “criminal mismanagement”. The move marks a sharp escalation in the dispute between European football’s governing body and Fifa, potentially bringing the matter into criminal proceedings.

Uefa has also filed separate applications in the United States seeking documents about the plan’s development, including material held by Fifa. Its request says the prospective claims may also involve other Fifa officials and advisers, and cites Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code; it is using a US Section 1782 process to seek evidence for foreign legal action.