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Democrats in the U.S. Congress could subpoena Gianni Infantino over FIFA’s ties to Donald Trump

Riana Gegiu

4 November 2026, 12:21

International

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Gianni Infantino, president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), could be required to answer questions before the United States Congress about his relationship with Donald Trump and alleged benefits provided to the U.S. president’s family. Refusing to appear or provide the requested documents could carry criminal consequences after Democrats are expected to take control of Congress.

On July 26, the House Judiciary Committee opened an investigation into what it described as a “sustained campaign” by FIFA and Infantino to win Trump’s support. The committee requested documents and explanations regarding possible payments to the Trump family, the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize, and an alleged scheme linked to Joshua Kushner, Jared Kushner’s brother.

On September 23, Democrats accused FIFA of failing to cooperate sufficiently and of not handing over documents deemed a priority. Until then, the party could not subpoena Infantino because it was in the minority on the committee.

The investigation was intensified by FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in FIFA Forward Enterprise to private investors, including Thrive Capital. The project, withdrawn on August 1 after opposition from UEFA and other confederations, strained Infantino’s relationship with European football. UEFA is looking for a rival candidate for the 2027 FIFA elections, which could also be contested by the president of the Romanian Football Federation, Răzvan Burleanu.

Context: FIFA entered a public dispute after associating the Peace Prize with Donald Trump, while its leadership was also targeted by other controversies

Before the investigation in the United States gained momentum, FIFA was considering modifying or even eliminating the Peace Prize awarded to Donald Trump last year. During the meeting of the governing body's council, several members called for abandoning the distinction or depoliticizing it, and a committee dedicated to social responsibility in football was expected to formulate a recommendation before a new meeting scheduled in Doha on December 16. The controversy also stems from the fact that FIFA has a provision in its statutes prohibiting political or governmental interference in sport, while the prize was initially created for actions in favor of peace and bringing people together.

At the same time, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was involved in other controversies as well: he was the subject of reports concerning a disciplinary matter involving a player (the goalkeeper of the Democratic Republic of the Congo) at the 2026 World Cup, while FIFA denied allegations of orchestrating a scheme involving private investors, amid a legal dispute with UEFA.