FIFA president Gianni Infantino appealed to the Trump administration for help securing work authorization for his Nicaraguan domestic worker after U.S. authorities revoked her legal status, The New York Post reported. FIFA and Infantino did not respond to the newspaper’s questions.
According to documents reviewed by the Post, Yajarlin del Socorro Fernandez, 33, continued working for Infantino’s household for months after her work authorization was revoked. The report says Infantino’s circle enlisted Carlos Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker and FIFA executive, to approach federal immigration officials on her behalf. Cordeiro declined to comment on his alleged role in the paperwork.
Fernandez received work authorization tied to the Department of Homeland Security in January 2026, the report says. It also alleges that an address described as false was used instead of the residence where she actually lived and worked for Infantino and his family. Sources cited by the Post said Infantino’s wife, Leena, hired Fernandez before she had obtained her initial work authorization.
Infantino is due to face a FIFA presidential election in March 2027. The report also notes that he has recently faced repercussions over a failed plan to sell commercial rights to FIFA tournaments to private investors.
Sources: Folha Esporte.