FP
Fakayejo Paul
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing the imminent prospect of formal U.S. Congressional subpoenas within weeks, as senior lawmakers expand their investigations into FIFA’s relationship with Donald Trump and associated commercial deals.
Following the recent U.S. midterm elections, Democrats taking control of the House of Representatives—led by Representative Jamie Raskin on the House Judiciary Committee—gain full subpoena power to compel testimony and documents after FIFA snubbed previous voluntary requests.
Scope of the Congressional Investigation
- FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) & Kushner Ties: Investigators are targeting the abandoned plan to sell a 20% stake in FIFA’s commercial arm for $4.2 billion, which featured Thrive Capital (founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner) as a primary prospective investor before being scrapped in August.
- Trump Tower Lease & Favor-Currying: Congress is demanding records regarding FIFA’s office lease in Midtown Manhattan’s Trump Tower, alongside the creation and presentation of the “FIFA Peace Prize”.
- World Cup Ticketing & Dynamic Pricing: Investigations pushed by state attorneys general and lawmakers are examining alleged dynamic price-gouging, seat descriptions, and artificial scarcity during the 2026 World Cup.
- Balogun Suspension Intervention: Legal scrutiny continues over direct calls made to FIFA regarding the reversal of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension during the World Cup.
Pressure Mounting Ahead of FIFA Elections
- UEFA & Criminal Proceedings: Adding to Infantino’s legal battles, UEFA has separately petitioned U.S. courts for evidence to support a potential criminal complaint in Switzerland alleging criminal mismanagement, which FIFA has dismissed as a “smear campaign”.
- Re-election Mandate: Senior FIFA insiders acknowledge that while legal summonses are likely in the coming weeks, the escalating probe comes right as Infantino prepares to confirm his candidacy for a fourth term as FIFA president.