Infantino's Controversial Peace Prize for Trump Puts FIFA Neutrality in Doubt

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is embroiled in major controversy once again. Human rights organization FairSquare has submitted an official report accusing Infantino of violating FIFA's code of ethics. 

The accusation stems from Infantino awarding the "FIFA Peace Prize" to US President Donald Trump.

According to FairSquare, this action constitutes a violation of FIFA's principle of political neutrality, a core rule strictly upheld by the world football governing body.

"Granting such an award to a sitting political leader is a clear violation of FIFA's obligation of neutrality," FairSquare wrote in its official report to the FIFA Ethics Committee, as quoted by ESPN on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Controversy Erupts on 2026 World Cup Draw Stage

The polemic began during a 2026 World Cup draw event. On the main stage, Infantino presented the peace award to Trump, showering him with praise.

"This is what we expect from a leader. You deserve the first FIFA Peace Award for your actions and you can always count on my support, Mr. President," Infantino stated while presenting the award.

Infantino praised Trump as a global peace figure who successfully mediated international conflicts, from Israel-Palestine to Thailand-Cambodia. 

This statement raised significant questions about FIFA's boundaries in maintaining its apolitical position.

The FIFA Ethics Committee has yet to issue an official comment or confirm whether the report has been fully received.

Not Infantino's First Time Facing Criticism

This latest controversy adds to a long list of criticisms regarding Infantino's closeness to Trump. Last month, the Swiss-Italian national even publicly asked people to support the policies of the elected US President.

"I'm not American, but President Trump was clearly elected. In a great democracy like the United States, we must respect the election results. He is only implementing what he promised. So I think we should all support what he is doing because it seems quite good," Infantino said at the time.

This statement fueled speculation that Infantino's personal relationship with Trump is increasingly influencing FIFA's political gestures, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the US as the main host country.

FIFA's Neutrality Questioned Again

This situation has raised concerns among international football observers.

At a time when FIFA should be maintaining distance from political maneuvers, Infantino's actions are instead seen as creating space for political influence in the realm of global football.

Criticism of Infantino shows no sign of stopping. With the FairSquare report still awaiting follow-up from the Ethics Committee, the world's spotlight is now on how FIFA will respond to one of the most sensitive potential ethical violations in Infantino's leadership history.