By Martin Graham
FIFA’s leadership is under heightened examination after a formal request was sent to the organization’s ethics body, urging an inquiry into president Gianni Infantino.
The appeal centers on accusations that he violated rules requiring political independence, following a series of public actions linked to United States president Donald Trump.
The trigger for the complaint was Infantino’s decision to present Trump with the first-ever FIFA Peace Award during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington DC.
FairSquare, a human rights advocacy group, submitted a detailed letter asserting that the gesture, along with previous public remarks by Infantino, clearly contradicts FIFA’s neutrality obligations.
Concerns about leadership and authority
In the complaint, FairSquare argued that handing a symbolic honor of such magnitude to an elected head of state inherently conflicts with the federation’s requirement to remain impartial.
The authors stressed that the FIFA president does not possess unilateral power to redefine the body’s purpose or dictate its guiding principles. Their letter referenced appearances in which Infantino stood alongside Trump, including last week’s elaborate event at the Kennedy Center, staged ahead of next summer’s tournament being hosted across North America.
Observers noted that Trump received an ornate statuette, a commemorative medal, and an official document, accompanied by praise from Infantino that implied personal endorsement.
Public statements heighten the controversy
FairSquare’s document also highlighted several instances in which Infantino expressed admiration for Trump through public channels. These included an October social media post declaring that Trump merited recognition normally reserved for efforts advancing peace.
During a business gathering in Miami a month later, Infantino again voiced support for Trump’s approach to domestic affairs, describing it in optimistic terms.
The group further referenced an early-year video message posted online after Infantino attended Trump’s inauguration, which they believe signaled alignment with the president’s political positions.
Nicholas McGeehan, FairSquare’s program director, said the issue extends well beyond Infantino’s encouragement of Trump’s political outlook. He argued that the situation illustrates structural flaws within FIFA, claiming the organization’s framework enables its top official to disregard internal safeguards without consequence.
McGeehan warned that such behavior risks undermining the well-being of the game on a worldwide scale.
The group’s submission closes by urging decisive action, insisting that FIFA’s credibility depends on enforcing its own governance rules.