Infantino accused of violating FIFA's 'political neutrality' after giving Peace Prize to Trump

US President Donald Trump receives the inaugural 'FIFA Peace Prize' from FIFA president Gianni Infantino on December 5, 2025, in Washington. SAUL LOEB / AFP

The "FIFA Peace Prize" the football organization's president Gianni Infantino awarded to US President Donald Trump on Friday, December 5, in Washington, during the final phase draw for the 2026 World Cup, continues to fuel controversy. FairSquare, the British NGO long critical of FIFA's governance, has filed a complaint on December 8 against the head of the international body with FIFA's so-called "independent" ethics committee.

Subscribers only

'The Trump-Infantino farce shows how FIFA debases football'

According to the NGO, Infantino repeatedly violated Article 15 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, which concerns the "duty of neutrality." Under this regulation, FIFA officials are required "in dealings with governmental institutions, national and international organizations (...) [to] remain politically neutral." Violations can result in a maximum suspension of two years. This principle of neutrality is also reiterated in FIFA's statutes.