World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Fifa and Infantino face subpoenas after Democrats blitz Trump in US midterms
Democrats’ return to control of the US House could give lawmakers the power to subpoena Fifa and its president, Gianni Infantino, over their ties to Donald Trump. The inquiry matters because previous requests for documents and answers have largely gone unanswered, and scrutiny could add pressure as Infantino seeks another term.
The House Judiciary Committee has asked about Fifa’s Peace Prize for Trump, office space leased in Trump Tower and a proposed sale of World Cup commercial rights to investors including Josh Kushner. Fifa shelved the sell-off plan after a backlash, while Uefa’s attempts to obtain related materials through US courts have faced resistance. Infantino is currently set to stand unopposed in March, though the article says a former Fifa governance chief has declared him ineligible.
In short
- Democrats’ House majority could enable subpoenas to Fifa and Infantino.
- The inquiry centres on Fifa’s ties to Trump and unanswered requests.
- A proposed World Cup rights sell-off was shelved after backlash.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of a stronger inquiry could argue that Fifa’s dealings with a sitting US president and Trump-linked businesses raise legitimate questions about transparency, governance and possible conflicts of interest. Since earlier requests for information have largely gone unanswered, congressional subpoenas could help establish the facts and allow proper scrutiny of decisions affecting a major international sporting body.
The case against
Those wary of the inquiry could argue that congressional powers should not be used to turn disputed sporting and commercial decisions into a partisan investigation without clear evidence of wrongdoing. Fifa could also contend that its internal governance and commercial negotiations deserve due process, and that pressure from US lawmakers risks politicising the organisation or influencing its leadership contest.
Americas Business Elections Football Government Politics Sport World