FIFA President Gianni Infantino may soon face scrutiny from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a human rights group prepares to file a complaint against him, alleging violations of political neutrality stemming from his public support for U.S. President Donald Trump. This unfolding situation adds a complex dimension to the intersections of sports governance and politics, particularly as FIFA is increasingly called upon to maintain its ethical standards amid growing demands for accountability.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is bracing for potential investigation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), following the announcement by the human rights organization FairSquare regarding plans to file a formal complaint. The group alleges that Infantino has repeatedly breached political neutrality rules through his vocal support for former U.S. President Donald Trump. This challenge escalates an ongoing dispute that already saw FairSquare contest FIFA’s ethics processes.
Since becoming an IOC member in 2020, Infantino has faced increasing scrutiny over his political engagements. In December 2025, FairSquare lodged a complaint with FIFA’s Ethics Committee, highlighting multiple instances in which Infantino publicly endorsed Trump’s policies and actions. The complaint specifically calls for an investigation into Infantino’s role in introducing a FIFA Peace Prize and the decision to award it to Trump. FairSquare also questions the adherence of this process to FIFA’s procedural rules.
FairSquare holds that Infantino breached Article 15 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, which mandates neutrality in official affairs. Under this article, individuals associated with FIFA are required to maintain political impartiality, with potential penalties for violations including fines starting at 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately ,400) and bans of up to two years from football-related activities.
The complaint seeks clarification on whether the decision to establish an annual Peace Prize and award it to Trump was a collective decision by the FIFA Council or made independently by Infantino. FairSquare claims, “If Mr. Infantino acted unilaterally, it should be regarded as a significant misuse of power.”
IOC President Kirsty Coventry confirmed that no formal complaint had yet reached the IOC’s ethics commission, but stated that any future complaints would be taken seriously. FIFA has acknowledged receipt of FairSquare’s December complaint; however, it has not confirmed whether an investigation has commenced, citing the need for confidentiality around such processes.
Despite the uncertainty, FIFA may initiate preliminary investigations into a potential violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics based on guidance from the chairperson of the Investigatory Chamber. Filing a complaint, however, does not assure the commencement of ethics proceedings, and those submitting the complaints are kept at arm’s length from the inquiry process.
FairSquare has been vigorous in advocating for reforms within FIFA, launching a campaign called “Reboot” just before the World Cup commenced. Recently, 50 members of the European Parliament expressed their support for FairSquare’s complaint against Infantino. Additionally, the Norwegian Football Federation has formally endorsed the move, urging the Ethics Committee to examine whether Infantino compromised FIFA’s statutes on political neutrality when awarding the Peace Prize.
The discourse surrounding this issue gained additional traction during the World Cup, particularly with Infantino’s involvement in the suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban, a situation that came to light following a personal request from Trump to review the case. Infantino, however, denied having any influence over the final decision.
As this situation unfolds, it raises critical questions regarding the integrity of global sports organizations and their ability to uphold ethical standards amidst political influences.
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