Democratic congressman requests investigation into Infantino, FIFA ‘corruption’
A leading Democratic lawmaker has requested that FIFA president Gianni Infantino appear before the House Judiciary Committee. The request comes as part of an effort to scrutinize FIFA‘s relationship with the Trump administration, with accusations of “corruption” and a “quid pro quo” being made.
Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Infantino demanding testimony and documents by August 9, 2026. The letter cites “troubling and inexplicable benefits conferred on FIFA seemingly in exchange for favors to President Trump.”
Allegations of Improper Dealings
Raskin‘s letter specifically requests a list of “anything of value (including transfer of money, gifts, prizes, awards, or public appearances) given to President Trump, members of his Administration, or their family members, or any entity associated with them, such as The Trump Organization.” He also asked for Infantino to appear for a transcribed interview with the committee.
One of the key allegations involves FIFA‘s decision to lease office space in Trump Tower in New York. Raskin stated that the space on the 17th floor, which he estimates could retail for $600,000 a year, was leased despite only being used for the 39-day period of the World Cup. This, he noted, amounts to more than $15,000 a day, suggesting these actions were designed to influence the Trump administration in FIFA‘s favor.
The congressman also highlighted the U.S. Justice Department‘s dismissal of indictments against two defendants in an ongoing FIFA bribery scandal that originated in 2015. Raskin‘s letter questioned this move, especially after a federal jury had found Full Play Group and a Fox executive guilty of wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, a conviction that was upheld on appeal.
Another point of contention is the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to President Trump, an honor Raskin described as “hilariously fake.”
World Cup Ticketing and Player Suspension
The relationship between Trump and Infantino gained significant attention during the recent World Cup. President Trump revealed that he contacted Infantino to push for a reversal of the red card suspension of U.S. player Folarin Balogun. Although Infantino maintained that Trump did not influence FIFA‘s independent Disciplinary Committee, Balogun‘s suspension was ultimately overturned.
Raskin characterized this incident as a “quid pro quo” that “hurts Americans,” claiming that FIFA exploited its favored status within the Trump administration. He accused FIFA of “illegal price gouging and fraudulent sales tactics” for World Cup tickets.
FIFA faced considerable criticism for the ticket prices at the recent World Cup, which were reportedly much higher than previous tournaments. Infantino has consistently defended these prices, asserting they were appropriate for the North American market and that all revenue is reinvested into the sport.
The ticketing policy is also under investigation by the Attorneys General of New York, New Jersey, Texas, and California. Complaints included misleading stadium maps, variable pricing, perceived scarcity of tickets, and the creation of a higher-priced “front” row category after millions of tickets had already been sold. Raskin‘s letter noted that the original North American bid promised a maximum finals ticket price of $1,550, but FIFA surged finals tickets to nearly $33,000 per seat.
Raskin has requested all FIFA documents and communications since 2024 with any U.S. official or individuals associated with the presidential transition before Trump returned to power. He also seeks communications with the United States government regarding FIFA ticketing practices, including consumer complaints and discussions about pricing mechanisms.
FIFA has been approached for comment regarding these allegations.
Source: eu.usatoday.com
