FIFA President Faces Scrutiny Over Controversial Award to Trump

FIFA is under scrutiny following accusations that its president, Gianni Infantino, violated the organization's neutrality rules by awarding U.S. President Donald Trump with the inaugural FIFA peace prize. The controversy has sparked an investigation by FIFA's ethics committee.

Infantino presented Trump with the award during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C. last week. He also made public endorsements of Trump through social media posts and interviews. Human rights advocacy group FairSquare has submitted a complaint alleging that Infantino's actions constitute "four clear breaches" of FIFA's neutrality regulations.

"The award of a prize of this nature to a sitting political leader is, in and of itself, a clear breach of FIFA's duty of neutrality," the complaint letter stated. FairSquare's program director, Nicholas McGeehan, criticized Infantino's actions, stating that "FIFA's absurd governance structure has allowed Gianni Infantino to openly flout the organization's rules and act in ways that are both dangerous and directly contrary to the interests of the world's most popular sport."

During the ceremony at the Kennedy Center, Infantino praised Trump, stating, "This is what we want from a leader" and offering his support to the U.S. president. In addition to the award, Trump received a large golden trophy, a medal, and a certificate. Infantino has previously expressed his admiration for Trump, posting on Instagram in October that Trump "definitely deserves" the Nobel Peace Prize and stating in a November interview that Trump's work in the U.S. is "looking pretty good."

FairSquare also pointed to an Instagram video post by Infantino in January, following his invitation to Trump's inauguration, which they claim indicates support for Trump's political agenda. The investigation comes amid continued debate over the appropriateness of Infantino's close relationship with Trump and the potential implications for FIFA's political neutrality.