FIFA chief Gianni Infantino could face congressional subpoenas when Democrats assume control of the United States Congress in January, following renewed scrutiny of his relationship with President Donald Trump and allegations surrounding the use of the football governing body’s resources.
The president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, is reportedly facing the prospect of being summoned before the United States Congress as American lawmakers prepare to investigate his relationship with President Donald Trump.
According to a report by The Telegraph, senior sources within FIFA believe Infantino could face demands for documents and possible subpoenas to testify when Democrats take control of Congress in January.
The anticipated investigation is expected to examine several controversies surrounding the FIFA president, including his close relationship with Trump, the organisation’s financial activities and allegations involving the employment of domestic staff at Infantino’s luxury residence in Miami.
The House Judiciary Committee had reportedly begun examining Infantino’s relationship with Trump in July.
However, the investigation is now expected to widen, with senior Democratic lawmaker Jamie Raskin reportedly taking an interest in additional issues involving the football governing body.
One of the major issues attracting congressional attention concerns allegations that Infantino asked Carlos Cordeiro, his intermediary with the Trump administration, to assist in securing a work permit for an immigrant housekeeper employed at his Miami residence.
Questions have also been raised following documents suggesting that the housekeeper was listed on the payroll of FIFA Americas, potentially creating concerns about whether organizational resources were used to cover personal expenses.
FIFA has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that Infantino personally paid for his domestic staff.
In a statement addressing the controversy, the organisation said matters relating to the FIFA president’s personal and home life were private, adding that all expenses associated with domestic staff were covered personally by Infantino.
The congressional scrutiny comes at a difficult period for the 56-year-old football administrator, who has faced mounting criticism over his leadership and financial decisions.
Infantino, who assumed office in 2016 following the departure of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter amid a corruption scandal, has also encountered opposition over proposals to raise approximately $20bn through the sale of stakes in future World Cup commercial interests to private investors.
The proposal reportedly attracted interest from investors, including Josh Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
However, the initiative generated considerable resistance within football circles, with critics questioning the need for additional private investment following the financial success of the World Cup.
Infantino has also faced questions over his increasingly visible association with Trump. The FIFA president previously awarded the American leader the organisation’s inaugural FIFA Peace Prize ahead of the World Cup.
Trump had also publicly expressed support for Infantino, with the relationship attracting attention beyond the sporting community.
The possibility of congressional subpoenas therefore represents another challenge for the FIFA chief, whose leadership and relationship with powerful political figures are increasingly under examination.
Although no formal subpoena has been confirmed, the reported investigation could place FIFA under significant political and public scrutiny in the coming months.
The development also raises broader questions about transparency, accountability and the independence of international sporting organisations.
For Infantino, the coming months could prove decisive as he attempts to protect his position within world football while responding to growing concerns over his leadership.
