Why is FIFA President Gianni Infantino facing fresh controversy? Trump links, Congress scrutiny and World Cup rights row explained

Just days after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has found himself at the centre of two major controversies that have sparked intense debate across the football world.

The football chief is facing growing scrutiny following reports of a proposed US congressional inquiry into his ties with US President Donald Trump, while FIFA’s reported plan to bring private investors into the commercial rights of its tournaments has also drawn strong criticism from UEFA and several stakeholders.

Here’s a closer look at the two controversies surrounding the FIFA president.

US Congress scrutiny over Trump relationship

One of the biggest challenges facing Infantino is a request from US Congressman Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, who has reportedly sought documents related to FIFA’s interactions with President Trump and members of his administration.

According to reports, Raskin has requested information regarding any communications, gifts, payments, or other benefits involving FIFA, Donald Trump, or his associates. The inquiry also reportedly seeks visitor logs connected to FIFA’s office at Trump Tower.

The committee has further requested that Infantino appear for a transcribed interview as part of its oversight efforts.

In his letter, Raskin reportedly criticised FIFA’s governance under Infantino, alleging that transparency and internal oversight had weakened during his tenure. He also questioned FIFA’s relationship with the Trump administration and raised concerns about consumer issues linked to World Cup ticketing and commercial practices.

At the time of writing, FIFA has not publicly responded to the reported congressional request.

World Cup commercial rights proposal sparks criticism

Separately, FIFA is also facing criticism over its reported plan to partially sell the commercial rights of its tournaments—including the FIFA World Cup—to private investors.

According to reports, FIFA is working with JP Morgan to establish a new commercial entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprises (FEE). The proposed structure would reportedly allow outside investors to acquire a non-controlling stake in the commercial rights of FIFA competitions.

FIFA has argued that the move is intended to generate additional revenue that can be reinvested into football development programmes across its member associations.

However, the proposal has generated strong opposition from UEFA, which warned that football’s governance and commercial future should not be treated as financial assets.

The European governing body expressed concern about the lack of transparency surrounding the reported proposal and questioned whether such a move would serve the long-term interests of the sport.

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Questions over governance

The latest developments come at a time when FIFA is already facing heightened scrutiny over several recent decisions.

Critics argue that football’s governing body must maintain greater transparency as it prepares for future World Cups and expands its global commercial operations.

Supporters of FIFA’s leadership, however, contend that exploring new revenue models is essential to finance football development worldwide, particularly among smaller member associations.

What happens next?

Neither the reported congressional inquiry nor FIFA’s commercial rights proposal has reached a final conclusion.

Should the House Judiciary Committee proceed with its investigation, Infantino may be required to provide documents and testimony regarding the issues raised.

Meanwhile, FIFA is expected to continue discussions with stakeholders over its reported commercial strategy, with any major restructuring likely to face close examination from football confederations, clubs, supporters, and national associations.

As both controversies unfold, the coming months could prove significant for FIFA’s leadership and the future direction of world football governance.