An international human rights and governance watchdog has officially called on FIFA’s Ethics Committee to investigate its president, Gianni Infantino, over what it describes as clear breaches of FIFA’s rule on political neutrality. The group also wants answers on how United States President Donald Trump became the first-ever recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize, an award many insiders say they had never heard of until it was presented.
The complaint was filed by FairSquare, a respected global advocacy organisation known for exposing labour abuses, corruption, and political repression. In the world of sports, Fair Square is widely recognized for pushing for transparency, accountability, and stronger protections against abuse.
Fair Square submitted an eight-page document, which The Athletic reviewed, to both the FIFA Ethics Committee and the organisation’s communications department, raising serious concerns about Infantino’s public behavior and the secretive process behind the Peace Prize.
FIFA’s Ethics Committee is responsible for enforcing the organisation’s strict rules, including the FIFA Code of Ethics. Its investigative chamber, chaired by Rwandan diplomat Martin Ngoga and made up of members from nine different countries, has the power to start investigations and even recommend sanctions.
If Infantino is found guilty, punishments could range from:
- Official warnings
- Heavy fines
- Suspension
- Or even a full ban from football activities
FairSquare alleges that Infantino broke Article 15 of the Code of Ethics, which requires complete political neutrality from all FIFA officials.
The group says Infantino repeatedly acted in ways that appeared supportive of U.S. President Donald Trump something the president of FIFA is not allowed to do.
FairSquare’s complaint lists four incidents where Infantino allegedly acted in Trump’s favour or publicly endorsed him.
1. Supporting Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize
Infantino publicly suggested that Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize because of his involvement in an Israel–Gaza ceasefire effort. FairSquare says this alone is a political endorsement and therefore breaks FIFA’s neutrality rules.
2. Praising Trump at a Miami Business Event
Infantino spoke at a business forum in Miami where he praised Trump’s presidency and even encouraged attendees to support Trump’s agenda. This, the group says, goes far beyond what a neutral sports leader should say.
3. Public Praise at the World Cup Draw in Washington
During the official World Cup draw in Washington, Infantino praised Trump’s leadership again. He also used the ceremony to present Trump with the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize, raising major questions about the timing and purpose of the award.
4. Campaign-Style Language in a Video Message
FairSquare also cited a video from January in which Infantino thanked Trump for inviting him to a political rally and used phrases commonly associated with Trump’s political messaging.
FairSquare insists that these actions cannot be dismissed as “personal opinions” because Infantino was representing FIFA while making these public statements.
FIFA Peace Prize Became a Global Controversy
One of the biggest issues FairSquare raises is the mysterious creation of the FIFA Peace Prize itself.
Investigations by The Athletic revealed that:
- The FIFA Council did not know about the award.
- FIFA’s vice presidents were never informed.
- There were no public criteria for choosing a winner.
- There were no listed nominees.
- No panel of judges was announced.
In short, it appeared the award was created and handed out without following FIFA’s own governance rules.
FairSquare says the decision should have gone through the FIFA Council, which is the body responsible for approving major strategic decisions.
Human Rights Watch had also written to FIFA earlier, raising similar concerns and asking for details about the Peace Prize’s creation. According to the advocacy group, FIFA never replied.
Meanwhile, Trump called receiving the prize “one of the greatest honours of my life,” generating even more debate among fans and football officials.
What This Means for FIFA
This case could become one of the biggest challenges to FIFA’s leadership in years. The organisation has struggled in the past with corruption scandals, and many observers believe this new controversy could damage its reputation again.
If the Ethics Committee decides to investigate, it would send a strong signal that:
- Even the FIFA president must follow the rules
- Political neutrality is non-negotiable
- Secretive decision-making cannot continue
Many football fans and analysts also believe this could push FIFA to operate with more transparency and accountability moving forward.
The Ethics Committee will now decide whether to formally open an investigation into Infantino’s actions and the Peace Prize process. This could involve:
- Gathering evidence
- Interviewing officials
- Reviewing internal documents
- Public hearings
The world of football, human rights groups, and global media are now watching closely to see how FIFA responds.
As of now, FIFA has not issued any public comment.
FairSquare’s call for an investigation into Gianni Infantino marks a major moment for world football. With accusations of political favouritism, questionable award procedures, and violations of ethics rules, this controversy touches the heart of FIFA’s credibility.
Whether or not the Ethics Committee acts, the issue has already sparked an important conversation about transparency, governance, and the true independence of global sports leadership.
Source By Prince Kwame Wonder