FIFA’s Infantino accused of violating neutrality over Trump support

Miguel Maduro, the former chairman of FIFA’s governing committee, suggested that current FIFA president Gianni Infantino violated the governing body’s statutes by recently expressing support for President Donald Trump.

Maduro told The Athletic he believes Infantino violated FIFA’s rules on political neutrality with the latest comments about Trump at the American Business Forum in Miami on Wednesday, when Infantino said: “I think we should all support what he’s doing because I think it looks pretty good.”

“The last part of his statement does more than recognize the legitimacy of President Trump. It supports his political program and actions and argues that others should also support them. He takes a position in what is an internal political debate in the United States,” Maduro said.

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“While he may recognize President Trump’s legitimacy, he should also recognize that in a democracy others may oppose his policies. Remaining politically neutral does not require taking a position on the political debate, much less arguing that everyone should support President Trump’s policies. To do so appears to be a clear violation of the duty of political neutrality imposed on every FI5FA official under Article E15FA’s Code.”

The official FIFA Code of Ethics says the following about political neutrality:

“In relation to public institutions, national and international organisations, associations and groupings, persons bound by this Code must, in addition to observing the fundamental rules of art, remain politically neutral in accordance with the principles and objectives of FIFA, confederations, associations, leagues and clubs and generally act in a manner compatible with their function and integrity.

“Breach of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at least CHF 10,000 as well as a ban from participating in any football-related activity for a maximum of two years.”

TRUMP THREATS TO WITHDRAW WORLD CUP GAMES FROM BOSTON IF ‘THERE ARE UNCERTAIN CONDITIONS’

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in the stands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his wife, Leena Al Ashqar, during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on July 13, 2025. (Jeenah Moon/Reuters via Imagn Images)

However, that section is in Article 14, and not Article 15, which Maduro mentioned.

Pakinomist Digital has reached out to FIFA and the White House for a response. FIFA declined to provide a response to The Athletic.

During his first term, Trump developed a friendship with Infantino while securing hosting rights for the United States, along with Canada and Mexico, for the 2026 World Cup.

Shortly after the US was awarded the tournament, Trump hosted Infantino at the White House. Infantino, also serving his first term as FIFA president, made an impression by handing Trump red and yellow penalty cards, which he joked could be used in the press.

The relationship flourished in 2020 as both men planned their futures.

During a dinner in January at the global economic summit in Davos, near FIFA’s home in Zurich, Infantino called the US president “my great friend”. Trump, always appreciative of a compliment, responded by inviting Infantino to a White House signing event for the Abraham Accords, which sought to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries.

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United States President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak in the Oval Office of the White House after signing an executive order for a task force related to the FIFA World Cup in Washington, DC, March 7, 2025 (Jim Watson/AFP)

Trump has signed an executive order creating a White House Task Force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Trump will serve as chairman of the task force, while Vice President JD Vance will serve as vice chairman.