Democrats Decry FIFA Head Infantino’s Plans to Sell Stakes in World Cup

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee have called for Infantino to appear in Congress over his relationship with President Trump.

Gianni Infantino file photo

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump have maintained a close relationship over the years: The FIFA president has made visits to the White House and Mar-a-Lago, and awarded Trump a newly created “FIFA Peace Prize” in December. Trump also presented the World Cup Trophy on July 19 in New Jersey. Bradley Collyer/AP

House Judiciary Democrats blasted reports of alleged discussions between President Donald Trump’s administration and FIFA President Gianni Infantino over newly reported plans to sell stakes in the World Cup.

FIFA is seeking to raise up to $4.2 billion in private-sector capital for a new organization that would oversee commercial rights and operational delivery — consolidating all of the money-making branches. Joshua Kushner — the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner — has been considered a potential key investor in the proposal, and other figures within Trump’s orbit have been involved, sources told The Times of London, which reported first on the plans.

But Democratic committee members, who this week called on Infantino to appear for an interview regarding an investigation into alleged corruption between FIFA and Trump, said the new program constitutes “more corporate tarnishing of the beautiful game.”