Por Renan Filho · 2026-11-05
**Lead**
Gianni Infantino, the embattled president of FIFA, is facing new accusations of abuse of power after reports emerged that his wife and children received VIP treatment at Miami International Airport in what critics say was an improper use of his official position. The allegations, which have been referred to Swiss federal prosecutors, add to a growing list of ethical controversies surrounding the leader of world soccer’s governing body.
**Context**
The incident in question occurred in late 2023, when Infantino’s wife and children were reportedly escorted through a restricted VIP lane at Miami International Airport, bypassing standard security and immigration procedures. According to documents obtained by Swiss media outlets and later confirmed by the Swiss Office of the Attorney General, the arrangement was allegedly facilitated by a senior FIFA security official who contacted airport authorities on Infantino’s behalf. The VIP treatment included access to a private lounge and expedited customs clearance, perks typically reserved for diplomats, heads of state, or high-ranking officials on official business.
Infantino has denied any wrongdoing, stating through a FIFA spokesperson that the family was traveling on a private trip and that any assistance provided was standard courtesy extended to any passenger. However, Swiss prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into whether Infantino abused his position as a public official under Swiss law, which governs FIFA as a non-profit organization headquartered in Zurich. The probe is separate from an ongoing investigation into Infantino’s meetings with former Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber, which itself led to allegations of obstruction of justice.
This is not the first time Infantino has faced scrutiny over travel and hospitality. In 2020, Swiss authorities investigated a private jet flight he took to the Caribbean, paid for by a FIFA contractor. That case was eventually dropped, but it fueled perceptions of a culture of impunity at the top of FIFA. The Miami airport incident, however, carries particular weight because it involves Infantino’s family and occurred on U.S. soil, where federal authorities have previously prosecuted FIFA officials for corruption.
**Análise**
The latest accusations strike at the heart of Infantino’s repeated promises to reform FIFA after the corruption scandals that engulfed the organization in 2015. Since taking office in 2016, Infantino has positioned himself as a reformer, overhauling FIFA’s ethics committee and pledging transparency. Yet the Miami airport episode suggests that the line between official duties and personal privilege remains blurred at the highest levels. For U.S. observers, the case is particularly resonant because Miami is a major hub for international soccer events, including the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Any perception that FIFA’s president is using his position for personal gain could complicate relationships with U.S. lawmakers and federal agencies that oversee international sporting events.
Moreover, the investigation by Swiss prosecutors underscores the unique legal status of FIFA. Under Swiss law, FIFA officials are considered “public officials” for the purposes of bribery and abuse of power statutes, meaning Infantino could face criminal liability if it is proven that he used his position to secure an improper advantage for his family. Legal experts note that the threshold for abuse of power in Switzerland is relatively low: even a minor favor granted without legitimate justification can constitute an offense. If the investigation moves forward, it could lead to fines, restrictions on Infantino’s activities, or even a referral to FIFA’s own ethics committee for suspension.
The political implications extend beyond Switzerland. In the United States, the Department of Justice has a long history of prosecuting FIFA corruption, having secured convictions against dozens of soccer officials in the 2010s. While the current case does not involve U.S. charges, it could reignite congressional interest in FIFA’s governance. Several U.S. senators have previously called for greater oversight of FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and the Miami airport incident may provide fresh ammunition for those seeking to impose stricter conditions on the organization’s operations in the United States.
**Fontes**
This article is based on reporting from the Swiss Office of the Attorney General, which confirmed the existence of a preliminary investigation into Gianni Infantino’s conduct. Additional details were drawn from documents published by Swiss media outlets including *Tages-Anzeiger* and *SRF*, as well as statements issued by FIFA’s communications department. The historical context of FIFA corruption investigations relies on public records from the U.S. Department of Justice and prior reporting by *The New York Times* and the Associated Press.