FIFA president seeks work permit

FIFA president Gianni Infantino tapped Trump administration to secure work permit for Nicaraguan housekeeper Yajarlin del Socorro Fernandez after White House revoked her legal status.

Leaked employment confirmation

FIFA confirmed Yajarlin del Socorro Fernandez worked full-time for FIFA (Americas) Inc. from August 2024 to October 2025.

“this is to confirm that yajarlin del socorro fernandez was employed by fifa americas inc from 1 august 2024 to 31 october 2025”

False address used

FIFA used false Miami address on immigration filings to hide Fernandez's actual residence and work location.

Trump adviser involved

Former Goldman Sachs banker Carlos Cordeiro, Trump's White House adviser, arranged the immigration fix for Fernandez.

Work permit revoked

Fernandez lost her work authorization after Trump administration terminated humanitarian parole scheme for Nicaragua.

Immigration lawyer comments

Immigration attorney Michael Wildes says Fernandez received preferential treatment unlikely for everyday noncitizens.

“the everyday noncitizen has virtually no chance of getting the kind of re-parole and new work permit issuance that this individual received”

FIFA's internal conflict

FIFA faced internal warnings to fire Fernandez after she lost work authorization but kept her on payroll.

“you cannot keep paying her through us because she s going to get deported”

FIFA's political fallout

FIFA president faces election in 2027 after internal revolt over failed $20 billion commercial deal with Thrive Capital.

Immigration system impact

US immigration system typically grants work permits only to war refugees or military families, not undocumented workers.

FIFA's reputation at stake

Infantino's clean-up pledge contradicts his actions with undocumented worker after Trump administration revoked her status.