FIFA’s Gianni Infantino faces ethics complaint over Trump peace prize

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing an ethics complaint filed by human rights group FairSquare on December 10, 2025. The complaint alleges that Infantino violated FIFA's rules on political neutrality by awarding Donald Trump FIFA's inaugural peace prize. The award was presented during the December 6 draw for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FairSquare argues that Infantino's actions support Trump's political agenda and undermine the interests of global football. The group's complaint also questions FIFA's governance structure, claiming it allows Infantino to disregard the organization's rules. FairSquare believes awarding the prize to a sitting political leader breaches FIFA's duty of neutrality.

In December 2025, US President Donald Trump received FIFA's inaugural peace prize at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. Trump, who has sought the Nobel Peace Prize, accepted the award, calling it a great honor. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a close ally of Trump, stated the award recognized Trump's efforts to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. The ceremony, attended by the leaders of Canada and Mexico, took place during the draw for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA announced the annual peace prize in November to recognize individuals who have taken exceptional. The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with a record 104 matches in 16 host cities.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in Washington, D.C. on Friday, raising concerns about FIFA's neutrality given its policy against political displays by players. Critics, including former UN official Craig Mokhiber, condemned the award, citing Trump's recent air strike in the Caribbean and his support for Israel, arguing it undermines FIFA's claim of political neutrality. Infantino praised Trump's international deals, including the Abraham Accords, stating Trump deserves the award for his actions and for promoting unity and safety. The award comes as FIFA faces criticism for not taking action against Israel amid the conflict in Gaza.

In December 2025, a video report highlighted the close relationship between former President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The report details how Infantino, the head of soccer's governing body, has consistently praised Trump. This included the creation of a FIFA Peace Prize, reportedly after Trump did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize. White House reporter Luke Broadwater describes the connection as a "bromance." The report explores the nature and extent of the relationship between the two leaders.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has seemingly created the "FIFA Peace Prize — Football Unites the World" to curry favor with President Trump. The award, scheduled to be presented alongside the 2026 World Cup draw, was established shortly after Trump missed out on the Nobel Peace Prize. Sources say the move is less about sports and more about Infantino's efforts to ingratiate himself with Trump to ensure a successful World Cup. Infantino has praised Trump, attended non-soccer events, gifted trophies, and rented office space in Trump Tower, despite having a Miami hub. The award ceremony will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, a venue with Trump loyalists in leadership.

Fifa President Gianni Infantino announced the creation of a new Fifa peace prize to be awarded annually, with the first winner revealed at the World Cup draw in Washington D.C. on December 5th. Concerns have arisen regarding the selection process, particularly due to Infantino's prior association with Donald Trump. A newly formed "social responsibility" committee within Fifa is tasked with devising the selection process, but will not convene before the inaugural award. The committee is chaired by Zaw Zaw, president of the Myanmar football federation, who was previously sanctioned by the US and EU for being a "crony" of Myanmar's military junta. This appointment has raised further questions about the neutrality and motivations behind the peace prize.