FIFA proposal to sell World Cup ownership stakes to investors draws criticism from U.S. and European officials

U.S. House Judiciary Committee members criticized a FIFA proposal that would allow private investors to purchase ownership stakes in the World Cup, describing it as a conflict of interest involving President Donald Trump’s administration. The committee posted a statement on the social media platform X, alleging that the deal represented a “kickback” involving Jared Kushner’s brother.

Representative Jamie Raskin, D-Md., announced an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s relationship with the Trump administration. At the same time, dozens of European lawmakers have urged the FIFA Ethics Committee to examine the proposal, warning that it could breach the organization’s political neutrality.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also expressed concern, stating that the relationship between Infantino and the Trump administration could harm the sport’s reputation. The controversy has heightened scrutiny of FIFA’s governance and its ties to political figures.