IOC to Investigate FIFA President Infantino Over Trump Meeting and Collaboration

MILAN, Italy – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino following his appearance at a meeting of The Board of Peace alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump. The inquiry stems from concerns that Infantino’s participation and a subsequent collaboration agreement between FIFA and The Board of Peace may violate the IOC Charter’s stipulations regarding political neutrality.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated she was unaware of Infantino’s involvement in the meeting, which focused on a reconstruction fund for Gaza. “I wasn’t aware of that, that we had an IOC member front and centre,” Coventry told a press conference during the Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina. “Now that you guys (journalists) made us aware of it we will go back and have a look at it.”

Infantino’s Appearance and FIFA’s Partnership

Infantino attended the inaugural meeting of The Board of Peace on Thursday, where he was photographed wearing a red hat emblazoned with “USA” and the numbers “45-47,” referencing Trump’s two non-consecutive presidencies. He also announced a “landmark partnership” between FIFA and The Board of Peace, outlining plans for significant investment in football infrastructure in Gaza.

The planned projects include the construction of 50 mini-pitches near schools and residential areas, five full-size pitches across multiple districts, a state-of-the-art FIFA academy, and a new 20,000-seat national stadium. FIFA intends to contribute significantly to these projects, aiming to rebuild sporting facilities in the region.

IOC Charter and Political Neutrality

The IOC Charter mandates that its members act independently of commercial and political interests. It explicitly prohibits members from accepting mandates or instructions that could interfere with their freedom of action and vote. Coventry emphasized the importance of adhering to these principles.

“The IOC Charter is very clear what it expects of its members,” Coventry said. “We will go and research into the alleged signing of documents.” The investigation will focus on whether Infantino’s actions at the Board of Peace meeting and the subsequent agreement with Trump’s organization compromised his impartiality as an IOC member.

A Complicated Relationship

Infantino and Trump have developed a close relationship since Trump’s return to office in January 2025. In December 2025, Trump received a newly created “FIFA Peace Prize,” the criteria and selection process for which remain unclear. This award further fueled scrutiny of the FIFA president’s interactions with the former U.S. President.

The IOC’s decision to investigate comes amid growing concerns about the politicization of sports and the potential for governing bodies to be used to advance political agendas. Maintaining neutrality is a core tenet of the Olympic movement, and the IOC is keen to uphold this principle.

Coventry affirmed the IOC’s commitment to political neutrality, stating, “I think from the IOC’s point of view we will continue to be politically neutral.” The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for Infantino’s position within the IOC and FIFA, as well as for the future relationship between the two organizations.

The situation highlights the delicate balance that sports administrators must navigate when engaging with political figures and initiatives. The IOC’s response underscores the importance of upholding the principles of independence and impartiality in the world of international sports.

FIFA has not yet released an official statement regarding the IOC’s investigation. The organization is expected to cooperate fully with the inquiry, providing any necessary documentation and information to assist the IOC in its assessment.

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The IOC is expected to conclude its review in the coming weeks, with a decision on any potential sanctions or disciplinary action to follow.

What’s Next: The IOC investigation is expected to conclude within the next few weeks. FIFA has stated it will cooperate fully with the inquiry. The next major event for FIFA is the preparation for the 2026 World Cup, and any fallout from this investigation could impact those preparations.