By Martin Graham
FIFA’s leadership is under intense scrutiny after a formal request was sent to the organisation’s ethics body, calling for an investigation into president Gianni Infantino.
The appeal centers on allegations that he violated rules requiring political independence, following a series of public actions linked to US President Donald Trump.
The trigger for the complaint was Infantino’s decision to present Trump with the first FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington DC.
FairSquare, a human rights advocacy group, sent a detailed letter saying the gesture, along with Infantino’s previous public comments, clearly contradicted FIFA’s neutrality obligations.
Concerns about leadership and authority
In the complaint, FairSquare argued that bestowing a symbolic honor of this magnitude on an elected head of state inherently conflicts with the federation’s requirement to remain impartial.
The authors emphasized that FIFA’s president does not have the unilateral power to redefine the body’s purpose or dictate its guiding principles. His letter referred to appearances where Infantino has stood by Trump, including last week’s elaborate event at the Kennedy Center, held ahead of next summer’s tournament in North America.
Observers noted that Trump received an ornate statuette, a commemorative medal and an official document, accompanied by praise from Infantino that implied a personal endorsement.
Public statements increase controversy
The FairSquare document also highlighted several instances in which Infantino expressed admiration for Trump through public channels. These include an October social media post that declared Trump deserved recognition usually reserved for efforts to advance peace.
During a business meeting in Miami a month later, Infantino reiterated his support for Trump’s approach to domestic affairs, describing it in optimistic terms.
The group also referenced a video message from earlier this year posted online after Infantino attended Trump’s inauguration, which they believe indicated alignment with the president’s policy positions.
Nicholas McGeehan, FairSquare’s program director, said the problem goes far beyond Infantino’s encouragement of Trump’s political outlook. He argued that the situation illustrates structural flaws in FIFA, claiming that the organization’s framework allows its top brass to ignore internal safeguards without consequence.
McGeehan warned that such behavior risks undermining the well-being of the game on a global scale.
The group’s presentation closes by urging decisive action, insisting that FIFA’s credibility depends on enforcing its own rules of governance.
