Democrats call FIFA president to Congress after
According to News.
Context
FIFA, under the leadership of Gianni Infantino, now finds itself at the center of an investigation that could compromise its credibility. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the pressure to ensure the organization operates in an ethical and transparent manner is greater than ever.
Why it matters
The investigation by the US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee highlights growing concerns about FIFA's transparency and integrity, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Allegations of corruption and bribery not only threaten the organization's reputation, but could also affect public perceptions of soccer globally, particularly among American fans.
Key points
- Democrats call FIFA president to Congress after.
- The Judiciary Committee of the US House of Representatives has launched an investigation into negotiations between Trump and FIFA, alleging corruption related to the World Cup, while FIFA plans to sell a stake to a Kushner family company.
- Democrats Call FIFA President to Congress After Trump’s World Cup “Quid Pro Quo”.
The Judiciary Committee of the US House of Representatives, with a Democratic majority, has launched an investigation into the negotiations between President Donald Trump and FIFA leaders, accusing them of having conducted a scheme of "corruption and kickbacks" at the expense of football fans around the world. On Monday, the committee's ranking member, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland), demanded that FIFA turn over any documents or records related to its negotiations with Trump, including visitor records for FIFA's office located in New York's Trump Tower, which the organization rents for a year. Raskin also requested that President Gianni Infantino submit to an interview with members of Congress. In a letter to Infantino, Raskin harshly criticized the Trump administration's sudden decision to drop the US justice investigation into FIFA's corrupt practices, which had led to the arrest of several officials of the organization, involving a total of more than $200 million in bribes, which continued for decades in 20 countries. Raskin also criticized FIFA for charging fans exorbitant prices for tickets. Some tickets to the final, he noted, went for as much as $33,000. Additionally, some buyers have reported that FIFA moved them to worse seats after purchasing the tickets. FIFA's revenues for this World Cup reached a record $15 billion, double the $7.5 billion it took in during the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Raskin said FIFA had engaged in "shameless corrupt" practices related to this and previous World Cups. This would include the ridiculous Peace Prize that FIFA allegedly awarded to Trump, after the latter was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, and Trump's request to Infantino to lift the disqualification of an American player during the tournament. The office in Trump Tower, meanwhile, some officials have reported, is virtually empty, although Raskin estimates that renting such an office costs $600,000 a year. “In exchange for renting an office in Trump Tower at inflated costs and for limited use, as well as concocting a fake peace prize for the president, the Trump administration abandoned enforcement of anti-corruption laws and allowed FIFA to operate as a multinational criminal enterprise without fear of consequences,” reads a press release from the investigation. The investigation comes as Infantino faces further scrutiny over ties to Trump. On Tuesday, FIFA announced that it plans to sell a minority stake in a new company, FIFA Forward Enterprises, which will manage the men's and women's World Cup tournaments. The organization said it plans to sell up to 21% of the company to investors, and that the investment group would be led by a company founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's adviser and husband of daughter Ivanka, Jared Kushner. This move would further strengthen Trump's influence within FIFA and has already attracted criticism. Sky News reported that European nations are considering a boycott following the move. In a statement, UEFA, European soccer's governing body, said the proposed deal "crosses a line that football institutions should never cross." "The soul and governance of football are not goods to be traded, especially without any transparency on who benefits financially."
What happens now
The commission may request additional documents and testimony, which could lead to a broader investigation into FIFA's practices. If the allegations are confirmed, there could be significant repercussions for FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino, especially in relation to the preparation of the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with FIFA and Donald Trump?
The Judiciary Committee of the United States House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the negotiations between Donald Trump and FIFA leaders, accusing them of corruption and bribery.
Who confirmed the investigation into FIFA?
The committee's ranking member, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland), confirmed the investigation and requested that FIFA provide documents related to negotiations with Trump.
Why is FIFA being investigated now?
The investigation was launched after the Trump administration's decision to drop the investigation into FIFA's corrupt practices, which had led to several arrests.
What changes have been requested from FIFA?
Jamie Raskin has requested that FIFA hand over documents and records of negotiations with Trump and that President Gianni Infantino submit to an interview with Congress.
What is the current situation regarding FIFA ticket prices?
Raskin criticized FIFA for exorbitant ticket prices, with some reaching $33,000, and for the fact that some buyers were moved to worse seats after purchasing.
