FIFA president Gianni Infantino has come under intense criticism after presenting a peace award to US President Donald Trump, sparking controversy across the global football community.
The award was handed to Trump on 5 December during the World Cup draw ceremony. Since then, Infantino’s decision has drawn widespread backlash, with critics arguing that it violates FIFA’s long-standing principle of political neutrality.
Several observers have claimed that by honouring a sitting political leader, Infantino breached FIFA’s ethical standards. As a result, calls have been made for FIFA’s Ethics Committee to investigate the matter.
Human rights organisation FairSquare has formally lodged a complaint, alleging that Infantino violated at least four provisions related to political neutrality. According to the organisation, FIFA rules explicitly prohibit awarding honours of this nature to serving political figures, calling the move a “clear breach” of neutrality.
Critics also argue that the FIFA president does not have unilateral authority to define or reinterpret the organisation’s goals, values or principles. By presenting the award, Infantino is accused of overstepping his mandate.
Accepting the award, Trump claimed credit for improving global security. “The world is a much safer place now. This is one of the greatest honours of my life,” he said. He cited examples such as preventing conflict in Congo and stopping a war between India and Pakistan before it began. Trump also praised Infantino, saying he had done an “extraordinary job” and set records in ticket sales.
FIFA’s Ethics Committee has since launched an investigation into the incident, and the controversy continues to fuel debate within international football circles over governance, ethics and political influence.
