FIFA ethics complaint targets Gianni Infantino over ties to Donald Trump

Tuesday 08 September 2026 - 16:43

By: Azzat Manal

FIFA ethics complaint targets Gianni Infantino over ties to Donald Trump

British non-governmental organization FairSquare has filed a complaint with the FIFA Ethics Committee calling for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino over his alleged conduct and relationship with US President Donald Trump.

The organization argues that a series of incidents involving Infantino and Trump may have breached provisions of the FIFA Code of Ethics, particularly those relating to political neutrality, loyalty and the responsibilities attached to the presidency of football’s governing body.

According to an eight-page document reviewed by French sports newspaper L’Équipe, FairSquare has identified eight separate incidents involving the two leaders. The organization has presented the cases chronologically and argues that they should also be assessed collectively rather than as isolated events.

Four of the incidents reportedly date from 2025. They include episodes surrounding a peace award presented by FIFA to Trump, as well as public messages of support posted by Infantino on Instagram.

The other four incidents occurred in 2026 and reportedly include the controversy surrounding US international Folarin Balogun and a proposal involving the potential commercial exploitation or sale of World Cup-related rights, which was ultimately abandoned.

FairSquare maintains that the pattern of conduct raises questions about whether Infantino has respected the political neutrality expected of FIFA’s president. The organization has also suggested that some of the incidents could indicate an attempt to derive personal or political benefits from his relationship with Trump.

The complaint represents another challenge to Infantino’s leadership ahead of the next FIFA presidential election. FairSquare has previously raised concerns about his conduct and political neutrality, making the latest filing part of a broader campaign directed at the FIFA president.

In July, the International Olympic Committee rejected an earlier complaint submitted by the organization concerning alleged violations of political neutrality. A month later, FairSquare called on FIFA to rule Infantino ineligible for the organization’s upcoming presidential election.

The latest complaint asks FIFA’s ethics authorities to examine all eight incidents and determine whether they amount to violations of the organization’s ethical rules.

Nicholas McGeehan, FairSquare’s director and co-founder, has warned that a failure by FIFA to examine the allegations would raise broader questions about the organization’s ability to oversee its own governance and ethical standards.

FIFA has reportedly not responded to requests for comment concerning the latest complaint.

The controversy comes as Infantino faces increasing scrutiny over his leadership style and his close relationship with Trump. Their public interactions have attracted attention in recent years, particularly as FIFA prepares for major international tournaments in the United States and other North American countries.

The complaint does not itself establish that Infantino violated FIFA rules. Any finding of misconduct would depend on an investigation and assessment by the relevant ethics authorities.

With the next FIFA presidential election approaching, the allegations add another layer of pressure around Infantino’s leadership and could keep questions about political neutrality, governance and the independence of football’s governing institutions at the center of the debate.