IRS complaint alleges FIFA staff member worked as Infantino's housekeeper

The Guardian reported that a complaint has been lodged with the United States Internal Revenue Service seeking an inquiry into allegations that a person on FIFA’s payroll was employed privately as a housekeeper for the organisation’s president, Gianni Infantino. FIFA said Infantino personally pays for any domestic staff. The filing claims that if the IRS investigates and determines the allegations are true, FIFA could lose its 501(c)(4) tax‑exempt status in the United States. That status classifies the body as an organisation created to promote community welfare for charitable, educational or recreational purposes. The complaint therefore challenges the legitimacy of FIFA’s tax‑exempt classification based on the alleged dual use of a staff member’s salary.

Why it matters

A loss of tax‑exempt status would affect FIFA’s financial operations in the United States and could set a precedent for how international sports bodies are taxed.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

12 Nov 2026, 00:30 IST

Key names

Fifa, Gianni Infantino, the IRS, IRS

Section

Sports

Figure cited

Fifa has 501(c)(4) status in the country, a category for organisations “created to promote community welfare for charitable, educational or recreational… (The Guardian)

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianComplaint filed to IRS in relation to Fifa head Gianni Infantino’s housekeeper 12 Nov, 00:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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