Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, recently announced the initiation of investigations concerning alleged corruption involving officials from the Instituto Nacional de Transparencia, Acceso a la Información y Protección de Datos Personales (INAI). The inquiry arises from serious allegations reported by the Federación Mexicana de Futbol (FMF), asserting attempts by INAI officials to extort the organization by soliciting World Cup 2026 tickets as compensation for reducing fines imposed for breaches related to data protection regulations.
During her morning press conference on January 30, 2025, Sheinbaum unveiled her government’s plan to investigate the accusations made by FMF Secretary General Íñigo Riestra, who filed the complaint on January 27, 2025. “For those who keep defending the INAI… workers from the INAI were telling the Mexican Football Federation, ‘I’ll lower your fines for World Cup tickets,’” Sheinbaum asserted, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. This statement marked potential legal ramifications for individuals involved, as she noted, “Corruption is a criminal offense, and where there is still the temptation of corruption, we must act.”
The allegations point to INAI officials coercing FMF to engage with specific legal offices, hinting at corrupt practices where personal gains overshadowed ethical governance. The specifics of the complaint reference fines amounting to millions of dollars against the FMF for implementing the Fan ID system without proper guidance from INAI, leading to the alleged extortion attempts for ticket favors.
Contrary to these claims, the INAI has publicly distanced itself from the accusations. A communications statement released via the institute’s official account on 'X' declared, “The plenary of the INAI distances itself from everything related to the alleged irregularities surrounding the case of the FMF.” They committed to supporting any investigations conducted by authorities and insisted, “We call for the last consequences to be pursued,” emphasizing their integrity amid scandal.
Political reactions to the allegations have been swift and polarized. Members of the ruling Morena party have openly condemned the actions of INAI, urging stringent accountability measures against any implicated officials. Juan Guillermo Rendón Gómez, secretary of the Commission of Sports, declared they have the authority to summon INAI officials for testimony on these grave accusations. “We have to pay close attention,” he stated, reflecting the legislative discourse surrounding the uncertainty of transparency and integrity at the agency meant to uphold these values.
On the other side of the aisle, opposition members have condemned the apparent missteps within INAI but insist on safeguarding the fundamental right to access information and protect personal data. PAN legislator Héctor Saúl Téllez Hernández underscored the intense accusations brought forth and demanded thorough investigations. “The accusations are harsh and decisive. We need to assess whether FMF’s claims have enough evidence to implicate those responsible,” he urged, stressing the importance of keeping data protection independent from political maneuvering.
The backdrop to this scandal highlights the growing criticism of governmental actions against institutions previously seen as upholders of civic rights. Citing various corrupt practices including nepotism, extortion, and misconduct, Sheinbaum pointed out this recent development fits within the broader narrative of integrity decay allegedly characterizing previous operations of the INAI. She said, “Fortunately, it was…an institute supposed to be dedicated to transparency and integrity.” The upcoming investigations are expected to reveal not only the extent of corruption alleged but whether systemic changes within the agency will restore public trust.
Looking forward, as the investigations proceed through the Secretaría Anticorrupción y Buen Gobierno—who will assume INAI's functions following its dissolution—there may be significant updates as evidence is gathered. Sheinbaum has promised to hold accountable any and all found culpable of misconduct, with the potential for criminal complaints to follow as the situation develops. “This is not just about one note; it will be investigated thoroughly,” she confirmed.
While the INAI’s mission of promoting transparency has come under scrutiny, the crisis amplifies calls for governmental accountability and addressing any allegations of corruption, highlighting the delicate balance between oversight and public trust. The outcome of this investigation may not only decide the fate of implicated individuals but could potentially transform how public institutions operate moving forward, instilling greater confidence within the public sphere about transparency and ethics in governance.