Gianni Infantino is at the heart of a new controversy in the United States. The FIFA president is accused of having employed a cleaning lady without a residence permit, before asking his connections at the White House to obtain an exceptional work permit. The sports daily “L’Équipe” devoted the front page of its website to this new affair this Thursday.
According to the “New York Post”, the Infantino family would have employed this woman between June 2025 and early 2026, while the refugee program from which she benefited had been eliminated by the Trump administration, in January 2025. She would also have been an employee of FIFA, between August 2024 and October 2025.
According to the “Telegraph”, Gianni Infantino would then have asked a member of the organization of the 2026 World Cup to seek his political contacts, in order to obtain a work permit for his employee, which would finally have been granted in January 2026. “The request for permit was made at the express request of Infantino, but on behalf of FIFA. She would have had no chance of passing otherwise,” says a former member of the organization.
“People have gone to prison for this type of thing”
The affair takes on a new dimension with a denunciation addressed to the American tax authorities, consulted by “L’Équipe”. The document accuses the 56-year-old leader and FIFA of violating US tax laws and rules governing non-profit organizations.
At the origin of this complaint is Abed Ayoub, former director of the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination League and specialist in immigration law. He claims to act on behalf of American citizens living in Florida, who wish to remain anonymous.
“People have been imprisoned for this type of thing, others have had to close their businesses. This is an offense that we take very seriously,” he warns. He accuses Gianni Infantino in particular of having used FIFA’s resources and his position to circumvent American migration rules for the benefit of his family.
FIFA denounces repeated attempts at destabilization
“The Team” also notes possible preferential treatment granted to the Infantino family during their travels. Documents consulted by the daily indicate frequent use of the protocol service at Miami International Airport. On the program: accelerated escorts, coordination with airlines and federal agencies, all facilities usually reserved for official delegations and diplomatic visits.
Contacted about these revelations, FIFA “rejects any allegation according to which it has employed a person in the United States without the necessary authorization” and claims to ensure “compliance with American requirements regarding immigration and employment.” She denounces repeated attempts at destabilization, believing that “some seek, in a concerted and continuous manner, to weaken FIFA and its president”.
