FIFA President Gianni Infantino Faces Accusations of Breaking Organization's Rules Over Trump Peace Prize
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under fire after being accused of breaching the organization's rules on political neutrality in relation to US President Donald Trump. The accusations stem from Infantino's close bond with Trump, which has seen them team up for the 2026 Men's World Cup in the United States, and the presentation of Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at a recent draw event.
In a move that has sparked controversy, FairSquare, an organization advocating for greater accountability in sports, has lodged a complaint with FIFA's ethics committee, alleging that Infantino's comments on Trump and the prize-giving process contravene FIFA rules. Specifically, Infantino's Instagram post following Trump's inauguration, in which he expressed support for Trump's agenda, is said to have breached neutrality.
Furthermore, FairSquare claims that Infantino's remarks about Trump's actions, as well as his subsequent endorsement of the US president's policies, demonstrate a clear disregard for FIFA's duty of impartiality. The group also questions the legitimacy of the prize itself, stating that it was awarded unilaterally by Infantino without proper authority.
"This complaint is not just about Infantino's support for President Trump's agenda," said Nicholas McGeehan, FairSquare's programme director. "It's about how FIFA's governance structure has allowed Infantino to flout the organization's rules and act in ways that are both dangerous and contrary to the interests of the sport."
FIFA officials have yet to comment on the allegations, but the news is likely to raise questions about Infantino's leadership style and his commitment to upholding FIFA's values. The situation highlights the challenges faced by international sports organizations in navigating complex relationships with politicians and promoting neutrality in a polarized world.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under fire after being accused of breaching the organization's rules on political neutrality in relation to US President Donald Trump. The accusations stem from Infantino's close bond with Trump, which has seen them team up for the 2026 Men's World Cup in the United States, and the presentation of Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at a recent draw event.
In a move that has sparked controversy, FairSquare, an organization advocating for greater accountability in sports, has lodged a complaint with FIFA's ethics committee, alleging that Infantino's comments on Trump and the prize-giving process contravene FIFA rules. Specifically, Infantino's Instagram post following Trump's inauguration, in which he expressed support for Trump's agenda, is said to have breached neutrality.
Furthermore, FairSquare claims that Infantino's remarks about Trump's actions, as well as his subsequent endorsement of the US president's policies, demonstrate a clear disregard for FIFA's duty of impartiality. The group also questions the legitimacy of the prize itself, stating that it was awarded unilaterally by Infantino without proper authority.
"This complaint is not just about Infantino's support for President Trump's agenda," said Nicholas McGeehan, FairSquare's programme director. "It's about how FIFA's governance structure has allowed Infantino to flout the organization's rules and act in ways that are both dangerous and contrary to the interests of the sport."
FIFA officials have yet to comment on the allegations, but the news is likely to raise questions about Infantino's leadership style and his commitment to upholding FIFA's values. The situation highlights the challenges faced by international sports organizations in navigating complex relationships with politicians and promoting neutrality in a polarized world.