FIFA President Gianni Infantino risks US Congress probe over Trump ties

FIFA President Gianni Infantino may find himself under scrutiny from the U.S. Congress, particularly if the Democratic Party secures a majority in the House of Representatives following the November elections. Democrats reportedly intend to investigate FIFA's dealings with former U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as a contentious plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

According to Politico, Infantino's leadership at FIFA could be significantly impacted by the U.S. midterm election results. Should Democrats gain control of the House, the global football governing body might face a broad inquiry into its political and commercial ties developed during the Trump administration. Jamie Raskin, the leading Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has expressed his intention to probe these connections and FIFA's World Cup ticketing policies, which have drawn criticism for a lack of transparency.

In a letter addressed to FIFA, Raskin has sought specific information. This includes details on any gifts potentially offered to Trump, communications concerning the Department of Justice, and visitor logs for FIFA's Miami headquarters and its office in Trump Tower. If Democrats indeed control the House, they could issue subpoenas, potentially compelling Infantino to testify before Congress.

Further complicating matters are reports that FIFA is considering selling stakes in World Cup competitions to private investors. The Times reported that Thrive Capital, an investment fund founded by Joshua Kushner (brother of Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law), could play a key role in attracting investors, including Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds. Raskin has strongly criticized this initiative, stating, "FIFA, Donald Trump's favorite organization among those accused of corruption in world sports, is now directly doing business with the Trump family."

“

FIFA, Donald Trump's favorite organization among those accused of corruption in world sports, is now directly doing business with the Trump family.