A human rights organization has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA’s ethics committee, accusing President Gianni Infantino of breaching the organization’s code of ethics in incidents connected to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The complaint, filed by FairSquare, alleges that Infantino misused his authority and violated his duty of political neutrality in an effort to gain favor with Trump.
Allegations of Misconduct
The complaint states that the incidents collectively provide compelling evidence that Infantino, in seeking to win Trump’s approval, abused his position and failed to uphold the loyalty expected of his role. FairSquare argues that the pattern of behavior suggests a pursuit of personal gain, underscoring the seriousness of the claims.
Specific Incidents Cited
Among the eight incidents listed, four were previously reported in December when FIFA awarded its new peace prize to Trump, a decision that drew widespread criticism. The latest complaint includes details about Infantino’s involvement in the red card controversy involving American forward Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup, held in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. FIFA suspended Balogun’s ban after a phone call between Trump and Infantino, allowing the player to participate in the next match.
The complaint also references the failure of a controversial investment deal. FairSquare noted that the newly filed supplementary complaint contains more serious accusations, collectively pointing to recurring governance failures at the highest levels of football leadership.
Broader Context and Reactions
Infantino is currently facing sharp criticism over plans to sell stakes in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors—a plan that was later abandoned. In what is considered the biggest crisis of his tenure since taking office in 2016, UEFA has threatened to boycott all FIFA events and is preparing a lawsuit over the investor plans, citing potential breaches of fiduciary duties.
Despite these challenges, Infantino has confirmed his candidacy for re-election as FIFA president in the upcoming elections scheduled for March.