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IOC Investigates FIFA President Over Trump Event

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 0:35 GMT by New York Post
      Locales: UNITED STATES, SWITZERLAND, ITALY

Zurich, Switzerland - February 22nd, 2026 - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has escalated its investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino following his controversial appearance at a 'Board of Peace' event hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump in Miami last Thursday. What began as a raised eyebrow has quickly evolved into a full-fledged inquiry, with the IOC expressing significant and growing concern over the implications of Infantino's involvement with a figure as politically divisive as Trump.

The initial announcement of the IOC's review has been followed by a broadening of the investigation's scope, now encompassing a review of FIFA's overall governance structure and its adherence to the principles of political neutrality. Sources within the IOC suggest the committee is concerned not just with the single event, but with a potential pattern of behavior that could jeopardize the integrity of international football.

Trump's 'Board of Peace' initiative, while ostensibly focused on promoting dialogue and understanding, has been largely perceived as a vehicle for Trump to maintain a public profile and exert influence, even after leaving office. The event itself drew a mixed crowd, including business leaders, celebrities, and political figures - many of whom have close ties to Trump's political network. Infantino's presence, however, stands out due to the traditionally apolitical stance expected of leaders of major sporting organizations.

"The principle of political neutrality is fundamental to the Olympic Movement and is a core expectation of all those who associate with it," stated IOC spokesperson Isabelle Dupont in a press conference earlier today. "President Infantino's attendance at this event, given Mr. Trump's well-documented political history and current legal challenges, raises serious questions about FIFA's commitment to this principle. We are obligated to thoroughly investigate this matter to ensure the integrity of both organizations is maintained."

FIFA, still reeling from the massive corruption scandals that plagued the organization in recent years, finds itself once again under intense scrutiny. While Infantino has overseen some positive reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability, this incident threatens to undo much of that progress. Critics are now accusing Infantino of hypocrisy, pointing out that he has frequently spoken about the importance of ethical leadership while simultaneously engaging with a figure widely seen as embodying the opposite.

The investigation is expected to delve into several key areas. Firstly, it will examine whether Infantino's participation violated any specific IOC guidelines or FIFA's own ethical codes. Secondly, the IOC will attempt to ascertain the nature of the discussions held at the event and whether any agreements or understandings were reached that could potentially create conflicts of interest. Crucially, the investigation is also looking at the funding behind the 'Board of Peace' and whether any financial ties exist between FIFA and the organization.

"This isn't simply about attending an event," explained Dr. Anya Sharma, a sports governance expert at the University of Geneva. "It's about the message it sends. It signals a willingness to align with a political ideology, even if unintentionally. For FIFA, which relies on the support of a global fan base with diverse political views, that's a dangerous game to play."

So far, FIFA has remained largely silent on the matter. Infantino himself has not issued a public statement, fueling speculation and exacerbating the crisis. A brief statement released by FIFA's communications department acknowledged the IOC's investigation but offered no further details. This silence is interpreted by many as an attempt to downplay the severity of the situation, but it is likely to only intensify the pressure on Infantino and FIFA.

The incident also reignites a broader debate about the increasing entanglement of sports organizations with political figures. In recent years, we've seen a growing trend of athletes and sports leaders becoming more outspoken on political issues, and of political leaders using sports as a platform to promote their agendas. This raises fundamental questions about the role of sport in society and the extent to which it should remain separate from politics. The IOC's investigation into Infantino could set a precedent for how it deals with similar situations in the future. The world awaits the outcome of the investigation, with the future of Gianni Infantino's leadership, and potentially the very integrity of FIFA, hanging in the balance.