FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing formal complaints to the soccer body’s ethics investigators over his public backing of U.S. President Donald Trump and the awarding of a peace prize to him.
London-based human rights group FairSquare said Tuesday it requested investigations into Infantino for allegedly violating FIFA’s statutory duty to remain politically neutral. FIFA said its ethics committee does not comment on potential ongoing cases and could not confirm receipt of the complaint.
Under FIFA rules, breaches of neutrality can lead to bans of up to two years, though it is unclear if the case will proceed. Critics note that FIFA-appointed ethics investigators are now seen as less independent than in the era of former president Sepp Blatter.
Infantino’s ‘Peace Prize’ for Trump sparks debate over FIFA’s political neutrality
Infantino has publicly praised Trump this year, including suggesting he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize. He also aligned FIFA closely with the U.S. ahead of the 2026 men’s World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Trump received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize last week as Infantino launched the tournament draw in Washington, D.C.
FairSquare said in an eight-page complaint that awarding a prize to a sitting political leader “is a clear breach of FIFA’s duty of neutrality.” The group also criticized Infantino for potentially acting without proper authority.
FairSquare has previously challenged FIFA over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, the influence of World Cup sponsor Aramco, governance standards, and slow investigations into Israeli settlement teams.
Source: AP