FIFA President Gianni Infantino Faces Potential US Congressional Subpoena
As congressional investigations expand following the midterms, FIFA's leadership could face legal demands to testify in January.
Investigations in the United States regarding the connections between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and former officials are escalating toward a potentially dangerous phase. Infantino is now facing the threat of being officially summoned to testify before the United States Congress in the coming weeks as a prominent Democratic critic broadens the scope of ongoing inquiries.
According to reports from British newspaper The Telegraph, citing senior anonymous sources within FIFA, Infantino could receive legal orders to provide testimony beginning as early as January. The shift in power following the Democratic Party's decisive victory in the midterm elections, which granted them control of the US House of Representatives, carries significant implications for Infantino's future as he campaigns to retain his presidency ahead of elections scheduled for March.
The House Judiciary Committee initially launched an inquiry into the relationship between Infantino and Donald Trump last July. Sources indicate that Representative Jamie Raskin, the leading Democrat on the committee, is currently examining a series of controversial recent developments. Investigators are probing disclosures regarding a request made by Infantino to Carlos Cordeiro—an intermediary between Infantino and Trump—to assist in securing a work visa for a domestic worker employed at Infantino's Miami residence. FIFA has strongly denied any wrongdoing, stating that Infantino personally covers all costs associated with his household staff and rejecting any implications of irregularities.
Critics and committee members argue that the review is necessary to determine whether any laws were violated regarding the alleged misuse of nonprofit funds or assets. Tax authorities were reportedly alerted after documents suggested the domestic worker appeared on payroll records for FIFA in the Americas. Furthermore, scrutiny has intensified over previous confidential discussions regarding the potential sale of World Cup broadcasting rights to a company owned by the brother of Jared Kushner. Sources indicate that summoning members of the Kushner family in January is strongly being considered, though a summons for Trump is not currently anticipated.
The anticipated shift in leadership for the House Judiciary Committee in January will grant Raskin new subpoena powers to compel the FIFA president to hand over requested documents. Raskin previously sent a letter to Infantino in July outlining concerns regarding a continuous campaign by soccer's governing body to curry favor with the administration. In September, committee members accused Infantino of uncooperative behavior, labeling responses as insufficient, though the absence of formal subpoenas at the time carried no legal consequences for non-compliance.
Despite the mounting pressure, FIFA maintains that it has engaged in productive discussions with committee members. In a statement, the organization asserted that it has received no indications of dissatisfaction regarding its proactive cooperation and remains fully prepared to address any additional inquiries. Meanwhile, the renewed scrutiny coincides with the departure of Emilio García Silvero, FIFA's chief legal officer, who recently stepped down after eight years under Infantino's leadership.