FIFA Chief Faces Ethics Complaint Over Trump Award
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing an ethics complaint after awarding a new “FIFA Peace Prize” to former US President Donald Trump during the World Cup draw. A human rights group has claimed the act breached FIFA’s rules on political neutrality, which require the organisation and its officials to remain impartial.
Allegations focus on political endorsement
The complaint argues that honouring a serving political figure amounts to an endorsement and violates Article 15 of FIFA’s Code of Ethics. It also questions how the award was created, who approved it and why no transparent procedure was made public. The group has requested that an inquiry be opened to examine Infantino’s conduct.
Possible penalties under FIFA rules
If the Ethics Committee decides that a breach occurred, penalties could range from a formal warning to suspension from football-related activities. The duration of suspension, if applied, could be up to two years. FIFA has not issued any comment so far and the timeline for a decision is unclear.
Debate over politics in sport
The case has reopened discussion about political influence in international sport. Critics say the award sets a troubling precedent at a time when sporting bodies are expected to maintain neutrality and avoid involvement in political controversies. Supporters of Infantino argue that the intention was to recognise efforts toward dialogue rather than politics.
