FIFA President Gianni Infantino accused of ethics breach: Report

By Admin

10 Dec, 2025

FIFA has once again found itself in the global spotlight, and not for reasons related to football. A worldwide advocacy group has filed a formal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of breaching the organisation’s ethics code and failing to maintain political neutrality. The concerns arise after Infantino’s highly public praise of United States President Donald Trump and FIFA’s unprecedented decision to award Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize.

The Heart of the Complaint

At the center of the complaint is Infantino’s effusive praise of President Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw event held on December 9, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. According to the report by The Athletic, the advocacy group FairSquare argues that such praise and the awarding of a peace prize to a sitting political leader violates FIFA’s long-standing claim of being “neutral in matters of politics and religion.”

The eight-page complaint argues that Infantino’s actions compromised impartiality not only during the public ceremony but also within the wider role of FIFA as the governing body of world football.

A Politically Charged World Cup Draw

The draw event, which allocated spots for the 48 teams participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, had political undertones due to the presence of three heads of state:
– U.S. President Donald Trump
– Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
– Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

While all leaders were acknowledged, it was Trump who received the lion’s share of attention, beginning with Infantino presenting him a gold trophy, gold medal and a certificate as part of the newly created FIFA Peace Prize. FIFA had announced the introduction of this prize just a month earlier, stating that it honors “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace.”

A video tribute was also played, highlighting Trump’s role in “brokering ceasefires and promoting diplomatic engagement.” Infantino told Trump, “This is your peace prize.”

FairSquare’s Objections

FairSquare an organisation dedicated to accountability in sports, particularly regarding labour migration and political repression asserts that Infantino’s celebration of Trump contradicts FIFA’s own ethics code. They cite FIFA’s official requirement to “remain politically neutral … in dealings with government institutions.”

The group also notes that this is not an isolated incident, referencing Infantino’s social media lobbying earlier in the year for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his response to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Ultimately, Venezuela’s Maria Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize, not Trump.

FairSquare argues these actions amount to multiple breaches of ethics and raise major concerns about FIFA’s independence, neutrality and integrity.

Potential Consequences

If the Ethics Committee finds merit in the complaint, Infantino could face a broad range of disciplinary actions, including:
– A warning or reprimand
– A monetary fine
– Mandatory compliance training
– A ban from participating in football-related activities

While the ultimate decision rests with the independent FIFA Ethics Committee, the controversy has already intensified the scrutiny surrounding Infantino’s leadership and the politicisation of major football events.

A Moment of Reflection for FIFA

As the world eagerly anticipates the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada, the latest accusations highlight the ongoing challenge FIFA faces in maintaining neutrality in an increasingly political global environment. Whether the Ethics Committee takes action or not, the incident underscores growing concerns about the organisation’s governance and its ability to separate football from political influence.

This developing situation may shape not only Infantino’s future but also FIFA’s credibility in the years to come.