FIFA Ethics Breach Allegations: Infantino’s Comments on Trump Under Scrutiny
An official complaint has been lodged with FIFA’s Ethics Committee, alleging violations of the organization’s political neutrality by its president, Gianni Infantino. The complaint also seeks to investigate the awarding of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump. FairSquare, a non-profit advocacy group focusing on labor migration rights, submitted an eight-page letter detailing the allegations.
Background on the FIFA Ethics Committee and Allegations
The FIFA Ethics Committee is a judicial body responsible for investigating potential infringements of the FIFA Code of Ethics. The committee is chaired by Martin Ngoga from Rwanda and includes members from various countries including China, Canada, and Greece.
Sanctions for breaches of FIFA rules can range from reprimands to bans from football-related activities. The complaint from FairSquare identifies four specific breaches by Infantino regarding FIFA’s duty of neutrality, as outlined in Article 15 of the FIFA Code of Ethics.
Details of the Complaint
- Public Advocacy for Trump: Infantino publicly endorsed Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2025, highlighting Trump’s role in international relations.
- Defense of Trump at a Conference: During the America Business Forum on November 5, Infantino defended Trump, expressing his surprise at negative perceptions of the U.S. President, thereby suggesting support for Trump’s political stance.
- Comments at the FIFA Peace Prize Ceremony: At the FIFA World Cup draw, Infantino praised Trump and effectively endorsed his foreign policy, contradicting FIFA’s neutral stance.
- Use of MAGA Language: Infantino’s video in January 2025, referencing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, further implied political bias.
Concerns Over the FIFA Peace Prize
The complaint raises concerns that the decision to award the FIFA Peace Prize lacked transparency and consultation with the FIFA Council. It cites reports indicating that key figures within FIFA were not involved in the decision-making process. The context of awarding such a prize to a sitting political leader is viewed as a breach of FIFA’s neutrality.
Call for Investigation
FairSquare’s submission requests an investigation into how the FIFA Peace Prize was conceived, citing the need for an established process in line with FIFA’s governing structures. They argue that the lack of consultation undermines the legitimacy of the award, as highlighted by Human Rights Watch, which has also sought clarity on the award’s criteria.
Conclusion
The allegations against Infantino implicate serious issues surrounding FIFA’s adherence to its ethical obligations. As the organization navigates this controversy, the importance of maintaining political neutrality in sports governance remains paramount for preserving the integrity of football.
