FIFA have angrily denied claims that boss Gianni Infantino used his links to President Trump to get his illegal maid a work permit in the US.
The New York Post reported that Nicaraguan-born Yajarlin del Socorro Fernandez had her permission to stay in the country revoked after Trump tore up agreements for four Central American nations in June 202
But Fernandez, employed by Infantino at his home in Miami, remained on his payroll.
The FIFA President was said to have then enlisted former US Soccer chief Carlos Cordeiro to smooth her path to staying in Florida – despite her application giving a FALSE address.
Fernandez, 33, was said to have been living at Infantino’s residence in the millionaires row of One Thousand Museum, where David Beckham recently sold a penthouse for £18million.
But her application for a “C11” visa, granted in early 2026 but then subsequently withdrawn, gave a different address.
However, Zurich chiefs were adamant that claims had no basis, hinting the allegations were the latest salvo in the UEFA-led efforts to oust Infantino.
A spokesman for the world body told SunSport: “FIFA rejects any suggestion that it employed an individual in the US without the necessary authorisation.
“FIFA verifies the employment status of each employee and ensures compliance with US immigration and employment requirements.”
The spokesman added: “Matters related to the FIFA President’s personal and home life are private; however, for the avoidance of any doubt, the costs of any domestic staff are met by the FIFA President personally.
“FIFA strongly condemns the publication of personal details of staff, none of whom are accused of any wrongdoing. This is a gross invasion of their privacy.
“We urge the media to act responsibly.
“As FIFA stated in August, it is evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President.
“FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny. But scrutiny is not a license to amplify false allegations.
“Where reporting is inaccurate or misleading FIFA will continue to challenge it directly and vigorously.”
The latest row comes with Infantino and Zurich chiefs only partially bowing to UEFA demands for full disclosure of three sets of documents.
European bosses want to see all the paperwork over the failed FIFA Forward Enterprises plan to sell off a stake in the World Cup to private investors, the decision to award Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize and Infantino’s role in overturing the automatic red card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun during the tournament.
Despite promising full access last month, FIFA have now told members of the ruling Council, including FA head Debbie Hewitt, that they must travel to Zurich to see what we’re described as “key” documents and cannot take photographs or disclose any information.
UEFA only have a fortnight to find a candidate to stand against Infantino in the scheduled March presidential elections.