US Representative Jamie Raskin, the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee, has launched an investigation into FIFA, alleging a quid pro quo between the organization and the Trump administration. In a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Raskin outlined concerns ranging from World Cup ticketing practices to the weakening of internal ethics safeguards.
The investigation will examine FIFA's 'sustained campaign' to obtain favorable treatment from US President Donald Trump. Raskin alleged that FIFA used its relationship with the Trump administration for illegal price gouging and fraudulent sales tactics for World Cup tickets, harming American consumers.
Earlier Department of Justice investigations exposed more than $200 million in bribes and kickbacks involving defendants from more than 20 countries. Raskin accused the Trump administration of abandoning anti-corruption enforcement involving FIFA after these prosecutions. Despite securing convictions, the administration later dropped prosecutions, allowing convicted defendants to go free.
The investigation will focus on FIFA's World Cup ticketing practices, including price increases, dynamic pricing, and policies allowing seat downgrades after purchase. Raskin is seeking documents and communications related to any gifts, payments, or other benefits allegedly provided by FIFA to Trump or his associates, and has requested visitor logs for FIFA's office in Trump Tower and its Miami headquarters.
Raskin has asked Infantino to appear before the committee for a transcribed interview, setting a deadline of 5:00 p.m. on August 9, 2026, for Infantino to contact Democratic committee staff to schedule the interview.
The investigation also examines FIFA's governance under Infantino, including allegations that the organization weakened internal ethics safeguards. Raskin accused Infantino of eliminating ethics committees and suspending many members, contrary to expectations of reform. Additionally, FIFA opened an office in Trump Tower and awarded Trump its first-ever 'FIFA Peace Award' at the World Cup draw in December, weeks after Trump publicly complained about missing out on the Nobel Peace Prize.
The relationship between FIFA and the Trump administration has drawn scrutiny. Trump called Infantino several times regarding a red card for US player Folarin Balogun, which FIFA subsequently lifted, drawing criticism from football federations worldwide. Trump also accompanied Infantino at the World Cup final trophy ceremony, where they were booed by the crowd. The DOJ dropped indictments in global football corruption probes, including the 2015 case against more than 20 FIFA executives, citing changing enforcement priorities.
Raskin also highlighted FIFA's proposed commercial spin-off, which he described as a "smash-and-grab scam of colossal proportions." Infantino plans to spin off FIFA's commercial business into a standalone company valued at approximately $20 billion, with JPMorgan Chase leading the fundraising and Thrive Eternal, linked to Josh Kushner, among prospective investors. UEFA has warned against the move and voted to boycott the World Cup if it proceeds. Raskin noted that the United States is set to host the Women's World Cup in 2031 and has a responsibility to ensure FIFA does not bring corruption to US soil.
The White House dismissed similar allegations as politically motivated, and FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Democrats lack a majority in the House, so Raskin cannot compel Infantino without Republican support. The letter was sent late Sunday.