The political fallout from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified after senior US Democrat Jamie Raskin launched an investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino, demanding documents detailing the governing body’s relationship with US President Donald Trump and his administration.
Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Infantino requesting communications, financial records and visitor logs linked to FIFA’s office in Trump Tower. He also asked Infantino to sit for a transcribed interview as part of the inquiry.
The committee wants documents relating to gifts, payments or benefits allegedly provided to Trump, his associates or administration officials. It also requested visitor records from FIFA’s New York office, which opened in Trump Tower last year.
The investigation follows months of scrutiny over the relationship between FIFA and the White House during the World Cup.
Trump drew attention before the tournament when he received a newly created FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw in Washington. FIFA later opened its Manhattan office inside Trump Tower, further fuelling questions about the closeness between both sides.
The controversy intensified during the tournament after Trump personally urged Infantino to review the suspension handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA later overturned the automatic one-match ban, allowing Balogun to feature against Belgium, a decision that drew criticism from several national associations.
Trump also joined Infantino, alongside the leaders of Canada and Mexico, during the trophy presentation after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final. The pair reportedly faced boos from sections of the crowd inside New York New Jersey Stadium.
Raskin’s letter also revisits long-running concerns over FIFA governance. He referenced the US Department of Justice investigations that exposed widespread corruption inside world football in 2015 and argued FIFA had failed to strengthen transparency under Infantino’s leadership.
According to the letter, Infantino weakened FIFA’s ethics framework early in his presidency by removing key oversight figures. Raskin claimed that decision paved the way for what he described as an unusually close relationship with the Trump administration.
The committee also criticised FIFA’s World Cup ticketing policy. Dynamic pricing during the tournament triggered sharp increases in ticket costs and prompted consumer complaints across the United States. Several state attorneys general are already examining those practices.
Raskin alleged that FIFA had used its relationship with the administration to shield itself while engaging in what he described as price-gouging and unfair ticket sales practices.
The committee has given FIFA until August 9 to provide the requested documents and arrange an interview with Infantino. As Democrats do not control the House of Representatives, Raskin cannot compel the FIFA president to testify without Republican backing.
The investigation comes only a day after Infantino strongly defended FIFA’s handling of the World Cup. In a lengthy social media statement, he accused critics of spreading hate and false narratives while describing the tournament as a celebration of unity, safety and inclusion.
The dispute now threatens to keep political attention focused on FIFA even after the tournament has ended, with the United States expected to play a central role in hosting the 2031 Women’s World Cup and remaining a potential candidate for the 2038 men’s tournament.
