Gianni Infantino Faces US Congressional Inquiry

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is summoned by US lawmakers regarding his relationship with Donald Trump, sparking scrutiny over FIFA’s ethics.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been summoned to provide testimony before the House Judiciary Committee as concerns mount over his connections with former President Donald Trump. This request significantly escalates tensions between FIFA and American lawmakers regarding issues of political neutrality and ethical conduct.

Representative Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, has formally requested that Infantino participate in a transcribed interview to clarify FIFA’s ties with the Trump administration. This inquiry comes in the wake of several controversial decisions, including Infantino’s awarding of a FIFA Peace Prize to Trump.

The investigation is also examining FIFA’s operational presence in the United States, particularly its lease of office space within Trump Tower in Manhattan. While FIFA asserts that it pays fair market rent for this location, Raskin observed that the typical cost for such space could reach up to $600,000 annually.

Moreover, Raskin has requested visitor logs for FIFA’s offices in both Miami and New York, alongside all communications exchanged between FIFA staff and individuals linked to the Trump administration. A crucial aspect of the committee’s inquiry pertains to the suspension of U.S. international player Balogun during the World Cup. Allegations arose that Trump personally contacted Infantino to request a reassessment of Balogun’s red card, leading to FIFA’s later decision to allow the player to participate in a knockout match. Although FIFA claims this decision was made independently, it garnered widespread criticism.

European lawmakers have joined the outcry, with over 70 representatives advocating for an inquiry into FIFA’s commitment to maintaining political neutrality. Raskin’s letter indicated that FIFA’s actions appeared to indicate attempts to persuade Trump and his administration to make favorable decisions for FIFA, including the Department of Justice’s decision to dismiss certain indictments related to a corruption scandal that surfaced in 2015.

Aside from its political affiliations, the House committee is scrutinizing FIFA’s contentious ticketing practices, which have drawn considerable backlash from attorneys general in states such as New York, New Jersey, Texas, and California. Raskin accused FIFA of leveraging its privileged status to engage in what he termed “rip off its consumers,” citing instances of illegal price hikes and deceptive sales strategies. For instance, while the initial bid promised a maximum ticket price of $1,550 for the finals, some tickets were sold for near $33,000.

Lawmakers expressed alarm that FIFA introduced higher ticket categories after millions had already been sold to the public. Raskin’s correspondence highlighted that even after purchasing, fans could see their tickets downgraded to lesser seats at FIFA’s discretion, a practice he labeled both unlawful and detrimental to consumers.

The White House has responded to the investigation through spokesman Davis Ingle, who dismissed Raskin’s inquiries as reflective of a “stupid person’s idea of a smart person.” The administration asserted that the 2026 World Cup was a resounding success, generating billions in revenue and providing an exemplary experience for attendees.

However, there are warnings that these oversight questions may evolve into formal investigations with subpoena powers should the Democrats regain control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections. As FIFA prepares for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, expected to be co-hosted by the U.S., the organization may face even more intense scrutiny depending on shifts in political leadership. The committee has established a deadline of August 9, 2026, for FIFA to present the requested records.