IOC May Investigate Infantino Over Alleged Political Bias
FIFA President Gianni Infantino could face an investigation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after human rights group FairSquare announced it would file a complaint accusing him of violating political neutrality rules. The complaint, reported by Reuters, centers on Infantino's public support for US President Donald Trump and the decision to award Trump the newly created FIFA Peace Prize.
Infantino has been an IOC member since 2020. FairSquare previously lodged a complaint with FIFA's Ethics Committee in December 2025, citing multiple instances where Infantino "expressed his public support for the actions and policies" of Trump. The group now seeks IOC action, arguing that Infantino's conduct breaches Article 15 of FIFA's Code of Ethics, which mandates political neutrality for officials.
FairSquare Alleges Abuse of Power Over Peace Prize
FairSquare's complaint also questions the process behind the FIFA Peace Prize. It urges the Ethics Committee to investigate whether the decision to introduce the annual award and bestow it on Trump before the tournament draw was made by FIFA's Council or by Infantino alone. "If Mr Infantino acted unilaterally and without any statutory authority, this should be considered an egregious abuse of power," FairSquare stated.
The group noted that FIFA's Secretariat of the Investigatory Chamber acknowledged receiving the complaint in December 2025, but FIFA has given "no indication" that an investigation has begun. Reuters has sought comment from FIFA.
Potential Sanctions for Breach of Neutrality
Under FIFA's Code of Ethics, violations of Article 15 can result in a fine of at least 10,000 Swiss francs and a two-year ban from all football-related activities. The code requires all bound persons to remain politically neutral in official dealings.
The controversy escalated after US President Trump intervened in a disciplinary case involving US striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun received a red card during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, but Trump's intervention and US Soccer's legal team led FIFA to rescind the ban, citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code. This allowed Balogun to play against Belgium in the last 16.
IOC President Responds to Potential Complaint
IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated on Tuesday that the committee had received no complaints to consider but would examine any that arise. "Obviously, if they do, they would look into it," Coventry said.
FairSquare's complaint argues that Infantino's actions undermine the IOC's principles of political neutrality, which are critical to maintaining the integrity of international sports governance. The group's move could pressure the IOC to take disciplinary action against one of its high-profile members.
