The US House Judiciary Committee has launched an inquiry into FIFA President Gianni Infantino, seeking clarity on his connections with former US President Donald Trump and his administration.
Jamie Raskin, the committee's ranking Democrat, issued a letter calling on Infantino to submit all records and communications related to any gifts, payments, or benefits involving Trump and his associates. The request also includes visitor logs from FIFA's office in Trump Tower, acquired in July last year.
Key Issues Under Investigation
- Trump's lobbying efforts to overturn US striker Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension during the recent World Cup.
- The awarding of a newly established FIFA peace prize to Donald Trump at the World Cup draw event in Washington.
- Allegations that Infantino undermined FIFA's ethics committee early in his tenure, raising concerns about governance and ethical standards.
The committee has set an August 9 deadline for FIFA to provide the requested documents and to arrange a transcribed interview with Infantino. However, without Republican backing, Raskin cannot compel Infantino's testimony, as Democrats do not hold the House majority.
Infantino's relationship with Trump has drawn scrutiny amid controversial decisions during the World Cup, including the reversal of Balogun's suspension, which sparked criticism from other national football associations and raised questions about the tournament's integrity.
Further tension emerged after the World Cup final, when Infantino's leaked letter praised Argentina's professionalism despite ongoing disciplinary matters, highlighting internal conflicts within FIFA regarding accountability and fair play.
