The human rights organization FairSquare has referred the matter to the FIFA ethics commission, accusing world football boss Gianni Infantino of violating his “duty of neutrality” to favor Donald Trump, it said on Tuesday.
Widely showcased since the return to power of the American president in January 2025, the complicity of the two leaders reached a new milestone during the draw on Friday evening for the 2026 World Cup, with the presentation to Mr. Trump of a newly created “FIFA Peace Prize”.
For FairSquare, awarding such a distinction “to a serving political leader constitutes a clear violation of Fifa’s duty of neutrality”, established by article 15 of its code of ethics.
In its request dated Monday, the organization therefore asks the ethics commission to “examine the circumstances” surrounding the announcement of this prize in November and the role of Mr. Infantino in its award – the terms of which have never been clarified by Fifa.
FairSquare appeals to Fifa ethics commission
Furthermore, FairSquare highlights the plea in October by the Italian-Swiss head of Fifa for Donald Trump to obtain the Nobel Peace Prize, or his comments favorable to his domestic policy.
With the United States being the main host of the 2026 World Cup, alongside Canada and Mexico, “it is natural and appropriate that Mr. Infantino wishes to establish a functional and diplomatic relationship with the President of the United States,” concedes the London-based organization.
But “by clearly supporting President Trump’s political agenda at the national and international level”, his attitude threatens “the integrity and reputation of football and of Fifa itself”, accuses FairSquare. Contacted by AFP, Fifa confirmed the referral to its ethics commission but has not yet commented on the content of the complaint.
