IRS Inquiry Launched Over Infantino's Housekeeper Claims

A complaint has been submitted to the Internal Revenue Service in the United States requesting an investigation into claims that a person on Fifa's payroll served privately as a housekeeper for Gianni Infantino. If the IRS finds these allegations to be true, Fifa might face the risk of losing its tax-exempt status in the US. The organization currently holds a 501(c)(4) status, which is designated for entities aimed at promoting community welfare through charitable, educational, or recreational means. The complaint, which has been reviewed by the Guardian and includes several supporting documents, alleges that an individual worked solely for Infantino and his wife, Leena, at their Miami home while receiving financial compensation from a Fifa-related entity. It claims that senior officials at Fifa have misused the organization’s tax-exempt status. The complaint raises serious issues, arguing that if Fifa's funds were utilized to pay for services that benefit Infantino's household, it raises significant concerns regarding private benefits, financial reporting, and governance. The documentation also questions the accuracy of various employment, payroll, tax, and immigration records, urging a thorough investigation into the matter. This development comes at a time when Fifa's operations, particularly Infantino’s role in the controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme and his ties to the Trump administration, are under increasing scrutiny following the recent midterm elections in the United States. A spokesperson for Representative Jamie Raskin, who is a prominent figure on the House Judiciary Committee, noted that while they haven't requested documents related to the housekeeper, they are closely monitoring the situation. In response, a Fifa spokesperson stated, "Matters concerning the Fifa president’s personal life are private; however, to clarify, any costs associated with domestic staff are personally covered by the Fifa president." If the IRS decides to pursue this complaint, the investigation could take several months, and typically, the outcomes of such inquiries are not made public. However, any subsequent actions that arise would be disclosed. The complaint was filed by Abed Ayoub, a Washington DC attorney specializing in immigration law, who previously led the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, an organization that called for Israeli football teams to be barred from international competition. Fifa has urged the media to report responsibly, asserting that there is a persistent effort by some to undermine the organization and its president. They welcomed legitimate scrutiny but emphasized that it should not be a pretext for spreading unfounded allegations. Infantino's predecessor, Sepp Blatter, has openly criticized him, labeling him as a dictator who “no longer knows any borders.” In a recent interview, Blatter expressed discontent with Infantino's leadership, particularly regarding the FFE initiative and the controversial decision to lift a suspension on player Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. Blatter stated, "Fifa is suffering. It is currently led by a person who has allowed himself to be blinded." He described the peace prize awarded by Infantino as "embarrassing" and questioned the rationale behind such decisions, especially in light of geopolitical tensions. As the situation unfolds, Fifa continues to be scrutinized, and the inquiry's implications could resonate beyond the organization itself.