Infantino’s Trump Endorsement Triggers Political Neutrality Storm, Raising Stakes for 2026 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure as global football stakeholders renew calls for a formal ethics review following his public endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s political agenda. The comments have deepened concerns about FIFA’s political impartiality and cast a shadow over preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking at the America Business Forum in Miami, Infantino praised the U.S. president’s policy platform, describing it as “pretty good” and encouraging people to “support what he’s doing.” The remarks sparked immediate criticism, as FIFA officials are bound by strict rules designed to keep the organization free from political influence.

Neutrality Under Threat

Miguel Maduro, former chair of FIFA’s Governance Committee, argued that Infantino’s comments clearly violate Article 15 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, which demands political neutrality from officials. Maduro insisted that the FIFA president went beyond acknowledging the legitimacy of an election and instead “urged public support for a political program.”
Despite the growing outcry, FIFA’s independent Ethics Committee has not confirmed any preliminary investigation, fueling speculation about reluctance to confront the organization’s highest-ranking official.

Infantino has defended his remarks by suggesting he was simply recognizing democratic processes. Critics, however, say that framing does not excuse publicly backing a political agenda. UEFA has previously admonished Infantino for actions perceived to prioritize political alliances, raising questions about his judgment and independence.

The situation is especially notable given Infantino’s own recent warnings about the need for sport to remain politically neutral in a global environment marked by “division and hostility.”

Longstanding Ties Intensify Scrutiny

Infantino’s endorsement is viewed by many as part of a wider pattern. His warm relationship with the U.S. president—marked by White House visits, public accolades, and attendance at major political events—has long attracted attention. His repeated praise, calling the president a “great friend” and “phenomenal,” adds weight to claims that the FIFA leader has crossed ethical boundaries.

Adding to the tension, global players’ union FIFPRO recently issued a strong rebuke of Infantino’s leadership style, criticizing what it described as authoritarian decision-making and a disregard for collaborative governance.

FIFA Peace Prize Raises Further Alarm

The controversy escalated with Infantino’s announcement of a new award, the “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World,” to be presented for the first time on December 5 during the World Cup Final Draw in Washington, D.C. His refusal to rule out the U.S. president as the award’s first recipient has fueled fears that FIFA is drifting toward overt political favoritism.

Concerns intensified further after the U.S. president suggested that he could pressure Infantino to relocate World Cup matches if he believed host cities were unsafe.
Victor Montagliani, FIFA vice president and president of CONCACAF, firmly dismissed the claim, stressing that decisions about the World Cup belong solely to FIFA. “Football is bigger than any individual and bigger than any country,” he said, in a pointed reminder of the sport’s autonomy.

Growing Anxiety Ahead of the World Cup

With the 2026 World Cup drawing closer, Infantino’s political comments threaten to undermine the tournament’s mission of global unity. Diplomats, football associations, and fans alike are concerned that the controversy could lead to protests, strained relations, and a fractured atmosphere at football’s biggest event.

Local officials have already begun responding. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu criticized remarks casting doubt on her city’s safety, while Norway’s national team coach Ståle Solbakken argued that when a sports leader becomes a political actor, “the game itself suffers.”

Many around the world now argue that FIFA must urgently address the growing crisis to reaffirm its neutrality and restore confidence in its leadership as the football community prepares for its largest-ever World Cup.