FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing renewed scrutiny after a formal complaint alleged he breached the organisation’s rules on political neutrality by awarding United States president Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize.
The ceremony took place during the official 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC, where Infantino praised Trump and presented him with a gold trophy, medal and certificate. The gesture has sparked significant controversy, prompting rights group FairSquare to request an ethics investigation into the FIFA president’s conduct.
FairSquare Claims Multiple Breaches of FIFA’s Neutrality Rules
BBC Sport has reviewed the formal letter submitted by FairSquare, which asserts that Infantino committed “four clear breaches” of FIFA’s political neutrality guidelines — principles designed to keep the global governing body independent of partisan influence.
The letter argues:
“The award of a prize of this nature to a sitting political leader is, in and of itself, a clear breach of FIFA’s duty of neutrality.”
FairSquare further states that Infantino acted outside his authority, noting that:
“The FIFA president does not have the authority to unilaterally dictate the organisation’s mission, strategic direction, policies and values.”
FIFA has been asked for comment regarding the allegations but has not yet responded.
A Ceremony That Raised Eyebrows Worldwide
Infantino and Trump appeared together on stage at the Kennedy Center, the host venue for the 2026 World Cup draw. The tournament — set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July — provided a global backdrop for the award presentation.
During the ceremony, Infantino praised Trump, stating:
“This is what we want from a leader… You can always count on my support, Mr President.”
Trump, who called the honour “one of the greatest moments of my life,” accepted the award in front of an international audience.
Infantino’s Previous Praise for Trump Under Renewed Scrutiny
FairSquare’s complaint goes beyond the peace prize ceremony. It highlights several instances in which Infantino publicly supported or endorsed Trump, potentially contravening FIFA regulations designed to prevent political involvement.
These include:
1. Instagram Post Supporting Nobel Peace Prize Candidacy
In October, Infantino posted on Instagram that Trump “definitely deserves” the Nobel Peace Prize — a statement critics see as incompatible with FIFA’s standards of neutrality.
2. Comments at the American Business Forum in Miami
During a November interview, the FIFA president urged support for Trump’s leadership:
“We should all support what [Trump] is doing… It’s looking pretty good.”
3. Prior Video Following Trump’s Inauguration
FairSquare also referenced a January video posted by Infantino after attending Trump’s inauguration, suggesting it conveyed clear approval of Trump’s political agenda.
Human Rights Group: ‘This Is Bigger Than One Award’
Nicholas McGeehan, FairSquare’s programme director, emphasized that the concerns extend beyond the immediate controversy:
“This complaint is about a lot more than Infantino’s support for President Donald Trump’s political agenda. It’s about how FIFA’s governance structure allows him to flout rules and act in ways that are dangerous and contrary to the interests of world football.”
FairSquare argues that FIFA’s system centralizes too much power in the office of the president, leaving limited checks on whether the organization’s leadership upholds its own principles.
Growing Pressure on FIFA Ahead of 2026 World Cup
With the 2026 World Cup now months away, scrutiny over FIFA’s leadership is intensifying. Infantino has faced criticism in the past regarding transparency, political engagement, and decision-making power — and this latest complaint may further amplify those debates.
It remains to be seen whether the ethics committee will formally investigate the allegations or whether FIFA will issue a statement defending the president’s actions.
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