FIFA president Gianni Infantino could face investigation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after human rights group FairSquare said on Wednesday that it plans to file a complaint accusing him of violating political neutrality rules by publicly supporting U.S. President Donald Trump.
The move follows an earlier complaint FairSquare submitted to FIFA’s Ethics Committee in December 2025. The group claims Infantino repeatedly showed public support for Trump’s actions and policies, raising concerns over whether he breached FIFA’s Code of Ethics. Infantino has also been an IOC member since 2020.
FairSquare has asked FIFA’s Ethics Committee to investigate Infantino’s role in creating the FIFA Peace Prize and the decision to present its first award to Trump during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw. The group also wants the committee to determine whether these decisions were approved by the FIFA Council or taken by Infantino on his own.
“If Mr Infantino acted unilaterally and without any statutory authority, this should be considered an egregious abuse of power,” FairSquare said.
Under Article 15 of FIFA’s Code of Ethics, officials are required to remain politically neutral while carrying out their official duties. Violations can result in a fine of at least 10,000 Swiss francs (around $12,400) and a ban of up to two years from football-related activities.
IOC president Kirsty Coventry said on Tuesday that the ethics commission had not yet received any complaint but added that it would examine the matter if one was filed.
According to FairSquare, FIFA acknowledged receiving its complaint in December but has given no indication that a formal investigation has started.
In a letter seen by Reuters, FIFA told FairSquare that its ethics secretariat can launch a preliminary investigation into a possible breach of the Code of Ethics if instructed by the chair of the Investigatory Chamber. However, FIFA also said that submitting a complaint does not automatically lead to disciplinary proceedings, and complainants are not entitled to updates because the process is confidential.
A week before the World Cup began, FairSquare launched a campaign called “Reboot”, calling for major reforms within FIFA.
Last week, the organisation said 50 Members of the European Parliament had written to FIFA’s Ethics Committee backing the complaint against Infantino. The Norwegian Football Federation also supported the complaint, asking the committee to examine whether Infantino violated FIFA’s political neutrality rules through the Peace Prize and related actions.
The issue gained further attention during the World Cup after FIFA overturned the suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium after President Trump personally urged Infantino to review the case. The United States went on to lose the match 4-1.
Infantino, however, denied having any role in the final decision to lift Balogun’s suspension.
