FIFA President Gianni Infantino could face investigation, suspension over Trump support
LONDON, July 10 (YPA) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino could face an investigation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following plans by a human rights group to file a formal complaint claiming he violated political neutrality regulations through his public alignment with US President Donald Trump.
The human rights organization FairSquare announced it will lodge the complaint directly with the IOC, citing Infantino’s “repeated breach of political neutrality rules.”
The group said Infantino’s public comments and actions in support of Trump raise questions over whether he acts on his own or with approval from FIFA’s leadership.
It argued that any move made without proper authorization could represent a serious misuse of power.
FairSquare also cited Infantino’s decision to award Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize as part of its complaint, asking FIFA to investigate whether the creation of the award and its presentation to a sitting political leader were consistent with the organization’s neutrality rules.
Critics of the award pointed to Trump’s long record of controversial policies and decisions, including disputes over his foreign policy, immigration measures and legal battles, as reasons why the honor drew criticism.
FairSquare’s complaint refers to FIFA’s ethics rules, which require officials to remain politically neutral. Those rules allow for penalties, including fines and possible bans from football-related activities.
Infantino has also been a member of the IOC since 2020, meaning he is expected to follow the Olympic movement’s principles, including political neutrality.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said no formal complaint had yet been received but added that any submission would be reviewed.
The complaint has received support from 50 members of the European Parliament, while the Norwegian Football Federation has also backed calls for an ethics investigation.
The case comes amid wider criticism of FIFA’s handling of political issues surrounding the 2026 World Cup, including its decision to overturn the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun after Trump reportedly intervened with Infantino.
@E.Y.M