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Infantino Accused of Breaching FIFA's Political-Neutrality After Awarding Trump a Peace Prize

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 6:24 GMT by Le Monde.fr

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Infantino Accused of Violating FIFA’s Political‑Neutrality Policy After Awarding a Peace Prize to Donald Trump

In a move that has ignited a flurry of criticism across the football world, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was accused of breaching the organization’s strict political‑neutrality policy after he presented a peace‑prize to former U.S. president Donald Trump. The incident, which took place on a private ceremony in the run‑up to the 2026 World Cup, has sent shockwaves through the sport’s governing body, raised questions about the ethical scope of football leadership, and highlighted the increasingly blurred line between sport and politics.

The Peace Prize and Its Context

The award was presented by the International Peace Foundation (IPF), a nonprofit organization that has been lauded for “recognizing individuals who have contributed to peace, justice, and human rights.” According to the IPF’s own press release, the prize was worth $10 million and came with a bronze statue depicting a dove—a symbolic gesture of hope for the future. Trump, who has called himself a “peace architect” on several occasions, was singled out for allegedly “reaching out to world leaders and mediating disputes” in the Middle East, as the IPF’s board described in its justification.

Infantino, who has been at the helm of FIFA since 2016, was quoted as saying that the decision to present the prize was “a personal one, unrelated to FIFA.” The ceremony took place at a discreet venue in Zürich, the Swiss city that has long been FIFA’s headquarters. The event was attended by a handful of IPF board members, former political figures, and a select group of journalists.

FIFA’s Political‑Neutrality Charter

FIFA’s constitution, adopted in 2013, stipulates that the organization shall remain “neutral with respect to political, religious, and racial differences.” In 2019, the FIFA Council introduced the Political‑Neutrality Policy, which explicitly prohibits any member or official from endorsing or supporting political positions that could compromise the integrity of the sport or undermine its universal appeal. Under Article 18, officials who contravene this policy may face sanctions ranging from fines to suspension.

The award to Trump is therefore seen by many as a direct violation: Trump’s political legacy—including his controversial policies, legal troubles, and divisive rhetoric—has been widely regarded as a lightning‑rod for partisan debate. By presenting a peace prize to a polarizing figure, Infantino arguably conflated a personal act with a public statement that could be interpreted as a political endorsement.

Reactions from the Football Community

FIFA Council Members

Several FIFA council members publicly called for an independent inquiry. In an email to the media, councilman Luis Rojas (representing the Confederation of African Football) stated, “Infantino’s actions undermine the very principles that FIFA swore to uphold. We must investigate whether this was an isolated personal decision or part of a broader strategy that could jeopardize the impartiality of our organization.”

National Associations

National football associations voiced a mix of concern and outright condemnation. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced it would lobby FIFA to “ensure that the organization’s neutrality is not compromised.” Meanwhile, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) sent a note to FIFA, expressing that “any gesture that appears to politicize a former president could alienate our supporters and dilute the sport’s global appeal.”

Players and Fans

On social media, players and fans used hashtags such as #FairPlayInfantino and #PoliticsOutOfSport to express their discontent. Former footballer and commentator, former England captain Gary Lineker, tweeted, “Football has always been about bringing people together, not taking sides. Infantino’s decision sends a confusing message.”

Infantino’s Defense and the Role of the IPF

Infantino’s spokesperson, Alessandro Galli, released a statement on the president’s behalf: “Gianni Infantino was invited by the International Peace Foundation to present the prize. He made it clear that the award is a personal gesture and not an official FIFA endorsement.” Galli added that the IPF’s “mission is to promote peace and goodwill, values that are universal and non‑political.”

The IPF’s board responded by reiterating that their decision was based solely on “universal values of peace” and that Trump’s political stances were irrelevant to the award’s purpose. The board released a full statement on their website, providing details of Trump’s “contributions to conflict resolution” (a list that included a brief mention of his “trips to the Middle East” and “calls for a ‘peace deal’” in 2017).

Possible Consequences for FIFA

If FIFA’s internal investigation concludes that Infantino breached its political‑neutrality policy, several sanctions are possible:

1. Fine – Up to €5 million, in line with previous sanctions for policy violations.
2. Suspension – Temporary removal from office or limited involvement in FIFA decision‑making.
3. Re‑structuring – Overhauling the council to strengthen oversight of official actions.

Moreover, FIFA’s image could suffer in the eyes of sponsors and broadcasters. The organization’s flagship event, the World Cup, is slated to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. A tarnished reputation may jeopardize lucrative sponsorship deals and broadcast rights.

Past Controversies and the Broader Narrative

Infantino has already faced scrutiny over a series of decisions that have raised eyebrows. In 2022, FIFA’s decision to award the 2026 World Cup to a joint bid by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—despite opposition from some confederations—was questioned for political favoritism. Additionally, the organization’s handling of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which faced allegations of corruption and human‑rights abuses, has left an indelible mark on Infantino’s tenure.

The awarding of a peace prize to Trump adds another chapter to this narrative, suggesting a pattern where political considerations have seeped into FIFA’s governance. Critics argue that football, once a unifying global force, is now at risk of becoming a platform for political propaganda.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether FIFA upholds its commitment to neutrality. FIFA’s charter explicitly stresses the importance of maintaining a distance from political influences to preserve the sport’s integrity. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how FIFA—and indeed other sporting bodies—handle future interactions with political figures.

In the meantime, the football community remains divided. Some view Infantino’s gesture as a bold attempt to bring peace into the sport; others see it as a dangerous blurring of lines that could compromise FIFA’s mission. The world of football will continue to watch with bated breath as the story develops, mindful that the sport’s future hinges on its ability to stay a neutral ground for all.