FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces a fresh ethics complaint filed by FairSquare, which accuses the governing body’s leader of abusing his power, violating political neutrality rules, and breaching his duty of loyalty through a series of actions tied to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Eight Incidents Outlined in FairSquare Ethics Complaint
According to documents cited by outlets including L’Équipe and the German news agency DPA, FairSquare’s supplementary complaint to the FIFA Ethics Committee details eight distinct incidents involving Donald Trump. Four of those episodes were already raised in a previous complaint filed by the organization in December 2025. That initial filing followed the controversial decision to award Donald Trump the new FIFA Peace Prize during the draw ceremony for the 2026 World Cup.
“Pris dans leur ensemble, ils fournissent des preuves convaincantes que le président de la FIFA, dans ses efforts pour s’attirer les faveurs du président américain, a au minimum abusé de son pouvoir, violé son devoir de neutralité politique et manqué à son devoir de loyauté,” the complaint states.
The Folarin Balogun Case and Private Equity Projects
Among the new elements brought forward by FairSquare is Gianni Infantino’s involvement during the World Cup regarding U.S. forward Folarin Balogun. Critics questioned the FIFA president after Balogun’s tournament suspension was lifted following a direct phone call from Donald Trump. The ethics filing also highlights a previously aborted project pushed by Infantino to sell commercial rights for international tournaments to private investors—including figures linked to Trump’s inner circle—in a deal projected to raise billions of dollars. Infantino ultimately shelved that proposal following widespread backlash.
Governance Crisis and Lack of Response from FIFA
FairSquare noted that the FIFA Ethics Committee previously issued only a formal acknowledgment of receipt regarding their earlier submission. The organization also previously pursued a similar legal avenue against Infantino through the International Olympic Committee, though that effort was unsuccessful.
The new ethics filing arrives amid broader turbulence within international football administration. European player unions have voiced concerns over governance standards at FIFA. Notably, the French Football Federation (FFF), under pressure from the Élysée, withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino, fueling wider debates about leadership accountability and the future direction of the global game.
What Comes Next for FIFA Leadership
The FIFA Ethics Committee is now required to review the supplementary documentation provided by FairSquare, though no specific timeline has been announced for a formal ruling or response. Stakeholders across European and international football will monitor how the governing body handles these mounting governance and neutrality challenges as the fallout from the 2026 World Cup continues to impact federation politics.
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