With Democrats set to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives, FIFA president Gianni Infantino could face a congressional subpoena compelling him to testify about his relationship with President Donald Trump.
In July, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland) requested testimony and documents from Infantino, accusing him of "corruption" and a "quid pro quo" in his dealings with Trump.
At the time, Raskin lacked the legal authority to issue anything more than a formal request. But after Democrats won back the House (and the Senate) in midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 3, that is set to change.
Raskin is poised to become chairman of the House Judiciary Committee when the new Congress is seated in January. With Democrats controlling the committee,
Raskin would gain the ability to pursue subpoenas, meaning Infantino could be held under Contempt of Congress if he refuses to comply.
That could be an important tool for any investigation, with a House Judiciary Democrats spokeswoman saying in September that "FIFA's level of cooperation to date is woefully inadequate."
"While committee staff received a briefing on litigation relating to the FIFA bribery scandal, FIFA has yet to turn over any priority documents requested by the committee — including those that would show how much money FIFA has given the Trump family — answer key questions around the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize or explain how the Kushner-Infantino scheme to sell off the World Cup was conceived," she added.
USA TODAY Sports has reached out to Rep. Raskin's office for comment.
What did Rep. Raskin request from Infantino?
In a letter Raskin said he was requesting Infantino’s appearance for a transcribed interview, as well as "documents and communications from FIFA related to any gifts, payments, or benefits provided to Trump and his associates."
Raskin accused FIFA of "outright bribery" in its decision to open an office in Trump Tower in New York.
He also highlighted high ticket prices at the World Cup, saying they were an example of "illegal price gouging and fraudulent sales tactics."
Infantino has been highly scrutinized for his close relationship with Trump, which was in the spotlight during the World Cup after Trump revealed he pushed Infantino to reverse the red card suspension of U.S. star Folarin Balogun.
Raskin also cited Infantino's decision to award Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize, an honor the congressman called "hilariously fake."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Democrats subpoena FIFA president over Trump dealings?
