FIFA President Infantino faces fresh pressure as rights group plans IOC complaint over Trump support

XtraTime Web Desk: Discontent over FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s role and conduct is growing amid the World Cup, with fresh questions being raised over FIFA’s commitment to political neutrality. Human rights organisation FairSquare is now preparing to lodge a complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) against Infantino, who is also an IOC member.

The central allegation is that Infantino repeatedly violated the principle of political neutrality by publicly and directly expressing support for US President Donald Trump.

FairSquare had earlier filed a complaint with the FIFA Ethics Committee in December 2025. The organisation alleged that Infantino breached political neutrality rules by repeatedly backing various policies and actions of the Trump administration.

Questions over FIFA Peace Prize

Infantino’s role in the FIFA Peace Prize controversy has also come under scrutiny, with calls for a formal investigation into how the award was introduced and subsequently presented to Trump.

Questions are being raised over whether the decision to launch the FIFA Peace Prize was formally approved by the FIFA Council or taken unilaterally by Infantino. There are also concerns over whether FIFA’s own procedures and regulations were properly followed.

The decision to present the award to Trump during the World Cup draw ceremony has further intensified the controversy. Critics want to know whether the move had the backing of the FIFA Council or was personally driven by Infantino.

According to FairSquare, if Infantino took such a significant decision without proper organisational or institutional approval, it should be treated as a serious abuse of power.

IOC says complaint will be examined if filed

The IOC President has said that no formal complaint has been received so far. However, any complaint submitted to the Olympic body would be examined seriously and in accordance with the relevant procedures.

Balogun red-card controversy adds to pressure

The controversy has been further fuelled by questions surrounding the suspension of punishment linked to a red card involving United States footballer Balogun during the World Cup.

It has been alleged that Trump personally requested Infantino to intervene and have the punishment suspended. Infantino, however, has denied playing any role in the matter.

Taken together, these controversies have triggered fresh concerns over FIFA’s political neutrality and the conduct of its president. If a formal complaint is eventually filed with the IOC, Infantino could find himself under significant pressure at a time when scrutiny of FIFA’s governance is already intensifying.