UEFA has taken another major step in its dispute with FIFA, seeking evidence that could support a criminal complaint against president Gianni Infantino in Switzerland.

The move comes weeks after FIFA abandoned a controversial plan that could have opened part of the commercial rights to its biggest competitions to private investors.

UEFA has sought documents and other evidence through legal proceedings in the United States as it prepares a potential criminal complaint in Switzerland against Infantino and potentially other FIFA officials. The dispute centres on FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed subsidiary that would have held commercial rights to the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup.

The development could have wider implications for football's governing bodies and the people and organisations that depend on major international competitions, including national associations, clubs, players and commercial partners. Any prolonged dispute over the management of World Cup commercial rights could also create uncertainty around FIFA's future business structure.

According to documents cited by BBC Sport, UEFA alleged that the plan was developed without consultation with the FIFA Council, UEFA, other confederations or FIFA's 211 member associations.

The proposal was later scrapped, but UEFA's evidence-gathering effort means the dispute is not over. The legal action is being pursued as UEFA considers a criminal complaint in Switzerland, where FIFA is headquartered.

Football's biggest power struggle is now moving into the courts.