US House Representative Jamie Raskin has formally requested FIFA president Gianni Infantino to appear before the House Judiciary Committee, initiating an investigation into alleged corruption and a potential quid pro quo relationship between FIFA and the Donald Trump administration. Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland and the Ranking Member of the committee, has also demanded a comprehensive set of documents and communications from FIFA by August 9, 2026.

Allegations of a quid pro quo

The investigation centers on several incidents that Raskin’s office suggests indicate a pattern of FIFA seeking special favors from the Trump administration. Key among these is the controversial awarding of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump at the World Cup draw in December. This prize, created by Infantino, was intended to “reward individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace.” The decision to present it to Trump drew increased scrutiny after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran occurred less than three months later.

Another focal point is the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun’s red card ban for one year, which allowed him to play in a critical World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. Trump publicly confirmed he had called Infantino to inquire about an appeal, and the New York Post reported that members of the Trump administration assisted US Soccer in preparing the appeal. Infantino, who has served as FIFA president since 2016, previously rejected claims of political interference in such decisions, stating that the disciplinary committee operates independently.

Further allegations include FIFA leasing office space in Trump Tower at what Raskin’s office describes as inflated costs for limited use. Additionally, the Trump Department of Justice (DOJ) abruptly dropped prosecutions in two FIFA corruption cases, allowing convicted defendants to go free, despite the DOJ having previously uncovered a decades-long bribery scheme within FIFA. The New York Post also claimed earlier this month that Trump intends to nominate Infantino as the next secretary-general of the United Nations, with incumbent Antonio Guterres due to step down in December.

Read also: ‘Why now?’ Tebas tears into Infantino over ‘pathetic’ World Cup message

Raskin’s demands and FIFA’s response

Raskin’s letter outlines specific requests for documents and communications, including:

• A list of anything of value (including money, gifts, prizes, awards, or public appearances) given to President Trump, his administration members, their family, or associated entities like the Trump Organization.

• All visitor logs for FIFA’s Miami and New York City offices for the duration of the New York City office lease term.

• All documents and communications since 2024 with any US official, or anyone associated with the 2024-2025 Presidential Transition, regarding any matter pending before or under consideration by officials at the Department of Justice or any other US department, agency, or office.

The committee is also requesting Infantino’s appearance for a transcribed interview. Raskin asserts that “the most recent quid pro quo that FIFA and President Trump orchestrated is not a victimless crime. It hurts Americans. FIFA has taken its newfound favored status in the Trump Administration as a sign that it may rip off its consumers, most notably, by employing illegal price gouging and fraudulent sales tactics for the World Cup.” These tactics reportedly include dynamic pricing and the ability to downgrade ticket holders, with some prices surging from a promised $1,550 cap to nearly $33,000 per seat, according to Raskin’s press release.

In response to Raskin’s letter, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle defended Trump’s role, stating, “No other president in history could have pulled off the historic feat that President Trump delivered for the American people and the world. Thanks to his bold vision and decisive leadership, the 2026 FIFA World Cup generated billions of dollars in revenue, created a massive economic boost across host cities, and delivered a safe, secure, and seamless experience for millions of fans and athletes from around the globe. It will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest and most successful sporting events in history,” as reported by The Athletic.

The investigation unfolds as Democrats hold 212 seats in the House of Representatives, compared to the Republican Party’s 219, with the next House elections scheduled for November.

Read also: Supercomputer predicts 2030 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria makes surprise run to semi-finals

Read also: Mbappe admits Golden Boot cannot erase France’s World Cup pain