Story perspectives

Rep. Raskin demands FIFA testimony over Trump ties

7/28/2026

Summary

Infantino Defends Tournament

FIFA President Gianni Infantino published on July 27 2026 defending the tournament and accusing critics of hate and false rumours.
He said the tournament had no violence and full safety for fans.
He defended suspending the ban for striker Folarin Balogun after his card, noting President Donald Trump’s intervention.
He noted that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied a visa, Iran, Haiti and the DRC received visas, and Spain won the tournament.

Summary

Raskin Demands Disclosure

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) demanded disclosure of Trump-linked gifts, asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to testify, and flagged FIFA’s New York office in U.S. President Donald Trump’s Trump Tower, prompting a probe.
The Norwegian Football Federation will file a complaint with FIFA over alleged political interference in the Balogun decision.
FairSquare’s Nicholas McGeehan said Gianni Infantino is unfit to govern and urged members to reject his re-election at the March congress.

History

Historical Context

In 2015 the U.S. Department of Justice and Swiss police arrested 22 FIFA officials, uncovering $2 billion in bribes and implicating former president Sepp Blatter and UEFA chief Michel Platini. The 2019 arrest of Platini and continued calls for transparency illustrate the scandal’s lasting pressure for governance reform.

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Infantino Defends Tournament

FIFA President Gianni Infantino published on July 27 2026 defending the tournament and accusing critics of hate and false rumours.
He said the tournament had no violence and full safety for fans.
He defended suspending the ban for striker Folarin Balogun after his card, noting President Donald Trump’s intervention.
He noted that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied a visa, Iran, Haiti and the DRC received visas, and Spain won the tournament.

1 / 3