Jamie Raskin Investigates FIFA Ties to Donald Trump

Representative Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has launched an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the organization's ties to President Donald Trump. Raskin alleges a quid pro quo designed to secure favorable government treatment, citing FIFA's lease of office space in Trump Tower and the awarding of a peace prize to Trump as forms of legal bribery. He has demanded visitor logs, records of gifts or payments to the Trump Organization, and a transcribed interview with Infantino by August 9.

The inquiry also examines the Justice Department's decision to drop international soccer corruption cases and the reversal of a red-card suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun after Trump allegedly lobbied Infantino. While FIFA maintains the disciplinary decision was independent, the Norwegian football federation plans to file an ethics complaint. Simultaneously, the Attorneys General of New York, New Jersey, Texas, and California are investigating FIFA over its tournament ticketing prices.

Gianni Infantino rejected the scrutiny via Instagram, accusing critics of spreading hate and false rumors and claiming the 2026 World Cup experienced total safety. However, the tournament faced criticism for four suffocation deaths during celebrations in Mexico City and travel bans imposed by the Trump administration that blocked supporters from Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. White House spokesman Davis Ingle dismissed Raskin's claims, calling the World Cup a massive economic success.