FIFA President Gianni Infantino Involved in Controversial Immigration Case

Controversial Work Permit Acquisition

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly sought help from the Trump administration to secure a work permit for his Nicaraguan housekeeper, Yajarlin del Socorro Fernandez, after her legal status was revoked. Infantino employed Fernandez despite her authorization being rescinded by the White House, according to leaked documents and sources.

An internal FIFA letter confirms Fernandez continued working for the organization beyond the expiration of her work permit. This employment extended through October 2025, over four months past the revocation of her authorization.

Allegations and Actions

Infantino’s inner circle, including a politically connected adviser, attempted to intervene with immigration officials to assist Fernandez. Fernandez was employed by Infantino and his wife, Leena, even after her work permit was revoked.

Kristi Noem’s Department of Homeland Security granted Fernandez a C11 parole work authorization in January 2026, despite the Trump administration’s move to end the humanitarian program for Nicaragua a year earlier. Allegedly, false residential information was used in Fernandez’s immigration filings.

Response and Reactions

Carlos Cordeiro, a former FIFA executive, played a role in orchestrating Fernandez’s work permit acquisition. He was appointed by Trump as a senior adviser to the World Cup task force. Cordeiro directed a subordinate to submit a Miami rental address on Fernandez’s immigration filings, concealing her actual residence.

When questioned, Cordeiro denied involvement, claiming ignorance of the situation. Prominent immigration attorney Michael Wildes expressed skepticism about the unusual nature of Fernandez’s work permit issuance.

Department of Homeland Security and Legal Considerations

Work permits are typically issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services. They often assist individuals in need, such as those escaping conflict areas. The sudden issuance of Fernandez’s C11 work permit raises questions about her receiving preferential treatment.

Wildes noted that the current administration regularly denies similar requests from noncitizens with urgent humanitarian needs. The favorable treatment Fernandez received is seen as inaccessible to others without connections.

FIFA’s Governance Challenges

Infantino faced criticism and internal conflict over his attempt to privatize FIFA’s commercial operations. The proposed subsidiary aimed to sell a minority stake to private investors. The plan faced backlash and led to disputes with UEFA, which threatened to boycott FIFA competitions.

FIFA is preparing to release documents related to the controversy while requiring confidentiality agreements from its executives.