Fifa could draw US Congress inquiry over ‘smash-and-grab scam’, top Democrat warns

Global football's governing body, FIFA, could be subjected to a sweeping congressional investigation in the United States if Democrats secure control of the House of Representatives in November. Representative Jamie Raskin, a leading Democrat on the House judiciary committee, accused FIFA of orchestrating a "smash-and-grab scam of colossal proportions" with its proposed multibillion-dollar privatization of its commercial operations. Raskin, who would likely chair the committee under a Democratic majority, vowed to make FIFA an early target for scrutiny, alleging the organization has become embedded in a pattern of corruption linked to the Trump administration and the Kushner family. He stated, "Fifa’s cozy relationship to Donald Trump has been floating to the top of the swamp of quid pro quo corruption."

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Fifa could face a sweeping US congressional investigation into its expanding financial and political ties to Donald Trump and his family if Democrats reclaim the House of Representatives in November.

The potential inquiry stems from FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to spin off the organization's commercial business into a separate company, reportedly valued at $20 billion. JPMorgan Chase is reportedly leading the fundraising, with Thrive Eternal, an investment vehicle connected to Joshua Kushner (brother of Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law), among potential investors. This proposal has ignited significant opposition within world football, with Uefa, the European governing body, warning that "none of us are the owners of football" and threatening a boycott of the World Cup if FIFA proceeds.

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Fifa’s cozy relationship to Donald Trump has been floating to the top of the swamp of quid pro quo corruption in which the Trump Administration is swimming.

This situation also follows a series of contentious events involving FIFA and the Trump administration. These include FIFA's creation of a "Peace Prize" awarded to Trump and an alleged reversal of a red card for a U.S. player during the World Cup after a call from Trump to Infantino. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice had previously dropped bribery and money-laundering cases tied to FIFA scandals. Should Democrats win the House, Raskin would gain the authority to compel testimony and documents from FIFA, JPMorgan, and related entities, demanding that "Fifa needs to cooperate in good faith now."

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none of us are the owners of football