FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing scrutiny and accusations of violating the organization's rules regarding political neutrality after presenting former U.S. President Donald Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. The award ceremony took place during the World Cup 2026 draw in Washington D.C. last Friday, sparking controversy and raising questions about the selection process and Infantino's close relationship with Trump.
FairSquare, a group advocating for greater accountability in sports, has formally complained to FIFA's ethics committee, alleging that Infantino breached FIFA regulations through his comments about Trump and the process of awarding him the peace prize. The organization points to several instances where Infantino publicly expressed his support for Trump, potentially compromising FIFA's neutrality.
In October, Infantino reportedly used his Instagram account to suggest that Trump "definitely deserves" the Nobel Peace Prize. Following a video presentation about Trump at the World Cup draw, Infantino remarked, "This is what we want from a leader... you definitely deserve the first FIFA peace prize for your action... you obtained it in an incredible way and you can always count, Mr. President, on my support". Further fueling the controversy, FairSquare cited an Instagram post from January 20, the day of Trump's inauguration, where Infantino stated, "Together we will make not only America great again, but also the entire world".
According to FIFA statutes, the organization is meant to remain neutral in matters of politics and religion, with exceptions made only for issues directly related to FIFA's objectives. Critics argue that Infantino's public support for Trump and the awarding of the peace prize appear to contradict this principle.
Adding to the controversy, questions have arisen regarding the process by which Trump was chosen to receive the FIFA Peace Prize. FairSquare has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the creation and awarding of the prize, demanding transparency regarding the selection criteria, nomination process, and judges involved. Some FIFA Council members reportedly learned about the award through a press release, raising concerns about the lack of transparency and consultation within the organization. Human Rights Watch also reported that their request to FIFA in mid-November for basic information about the prize was stonewalled.
Infantino's close ties to Trump have been a subject of discussion, with reports of frequent visits to the Oval Office and FIFA even establishing an office in Trump Tower in Manhattan. This relationship has fueled speculation about potential conflicts of interest and the blurring of lines between sports and politics.
The accusations against Infantino come at a sensitive time for FIFA, as the organization prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The controversy surrounding the Peace Prize and Infantino's alleged breach of neutrality could potentially overshadow the preparations for the event and raise further questions about FIFA's governance and ethical standards. The FIFA ethics committee is now under pressure to investigate the matter thoroughly and determine whether Infantino violated the organization's rules. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Infantino's future as FIFA president and for the organization's reputation as a neutral and impartial governing body.
