FIFA has accused European football governing body UEFA of conducting a “smear campaign” against its leadership over President Gianni Infantino’s abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions.

In a court filing in the United States, FIFA asked for UEFA’s discovery requests concerning the proposed $4.2 billion FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) investment deal to be delayed or dismissed. UEFA is seeking documents from investors and advisers involved in the proposal as it considers possible criminal proceedings in Switzerland.

FIFA withdrew the plan on August 1 following widespread opposition. The organisation accused UEFA of attempting to undermine Infantino and prevent smaller countries from gaining greater financial strength to compete with European teams.

UEFA has called for an independent review of the proposal and warned that it could support an alternative candidate if Infantino seeks re-election as FIFA president next year.