Trump's party loses US midterms, FIFA president Infantino could face pressure from Congress probe

Donald Trump's Republican Party has suffered a major setback in the US midterm elections. Democrats have won both the Senate, the upper house of the US Congress, and the House of Representatives, the lower house. The result could put FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is close to Trump, under pressure.

Democrats had opened an investigation into Infantino's close relationship with US President Donald Trump, FIFA's financial dealings with the Trump family, and a plan to hand the World Cup's commercial rights to private investors.

Until now, as the minority party in Congress, Democrats did not have the power to compel Infantino to appear for questioning. Having now taken control of Congress, the Democratic Party is set to gain that power. As a result, the FIFA president could also face legal complications if he does not cooperate with the investigation.

On 26 July, Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee announced the start of an investigation into Infantino and FIFA. They allege that FIFA and Infantino have long made a planned effort to win Trump's favour. As part of the investigation, various documents were requested from Infantino and he was asked to appear before the committee to give testimony. But as the minority on the committee at the time, Democrats did not have the power to force Infantino to appear.

Committees of the US House of Representatives can issue subpoenas to compel individuals to appear for an investigation. Ignoring such a subpoena can lead to criminal legal proceedings on a charge of contempt of Congress. Having won control of the House in the midterms, Democrats now have the opportunity to use that power in the Judiciary Committee's investigation. Infantino could therefore not only be asked to submit documents but, if necessary, be compelled to appear before the committee.

Democrats had already expressed dissatisfaction with the cooperation of Infantino and FIFA. On 23 September, a committee spokesperson said FIFA's cooperation with the investigation was extremely inadequate. None of the important documents sought from FIFA had reached the committee by then. They included information on how much money FIFA had given the Trump family, how the decision to award the FIFA peace prize was made, and how Infantino's plan to sell World Cup commercial rights was drawn up with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

After the plan to sell World Cup commercial rights came to light, three continental football confederations, including European football's governing body UEFA, opposed it. Infantino later announced the withdrawal of the plan. However, UEFA has said it no longer has confidence in Infantino. Infantino may run again for the FIFA presidency next year. He has already received support from Asia and Africa.

Until now, FIFA's internal politics and UEFA's opposition were Infantino's biggest challenges. The Democrats' increased power in the US Congress could now create a new pressure for him. How far the investigation into his relationship with Trump and the World Cup commercial plan proceeds remains to be seen.