MEPs Demand FIFA Ethics Probe Over Trump Peace Prize Award
Fifty members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from multiple countries have demanded FIFA address an ethics complaint against President Gianni Infantino for awarding the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump in December 2025. The complaint, filed by NGO FairSquare, alleges violations of FIFA’s political neutrality rules. The Norwegian Football Association also criticized the decision, citing lack of consultation. FIFA’s ethics committee, chaired by Rwanda’s UN envoy, faces pressure to investigate, while Infantino’s travel emissions have also drawn criticism.
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Guardian Exclusive: IOC Unlikely to Investigate Infantino Over Trump Contact on Balogun Incident
An exclusive report by The Guardian reveals that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is expected to face no punishment from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for allegedly violating political neutrality principles. The controversy stems from Infantino's communication with former US President Donald Trump regarding the Folarin Balogun incident, where a red card suspension was controversially deferred by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. Human rights group FairSquare filed a formal complaint with the IOC, citing the IOC charter's prohibition on members accepting political mandates. However, IOC sources indicate reluctance to interfere with FIFA's internal processes, especially as internal appeals were not exhausted. The shifting power dynamic, with the IOC increasingly reliant on FIFA for revenue and youth appeal ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, further reduces the likelihood of action. Despite condemnations from UEFA and the Belgian FA, both have dropped further action. The report also notes that the decision to lift Balogun's ban may have been made unilaterally by disciplinary committee chairman Mohamed Al-Kamali, who some sources suggest is being set up as a scapegoat.
虎扑 - 足球Gianni Infantino unlikely to face IOC sanctions over Balogun red card scandal
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president and IOC member, is expected to avoid sanctions after a complaint from human rights group FairSquare alleged he breached IOC political neutrality rules by discussing US player Folarin Balogun's red card ban with Donald Trump. Trump revealed he called Infantino to request a review of Balogun's suspension from a World Cup match against Belgium, which was subsequently suspended for 12 months by FIFA's disciplinary committee. IOC sources indicate reluctance to intervene in FIFA's internal rule application, especially as internal appeals were not exhausted. The IOC's growing commercial reliance on FIFA, particularly ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, further reduces the likelihood of action. Infantino's position remains strong, with over 200 FIFA members endorsing him ahead of the next presidential election. UEFA and the Belgian federation have not formally complained to the IOC, and Belgium may drop the matter after their World Cup exit.
Football | The GuardianFIFA President Infantino Faces DFB Rebuff and IOC Complaint Ahead of 2027 Re-election
German Football Association (DFB) President Bernd Neuendorf refused to sign a pre-formulated support letter for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's 2027 re-election bid, following a scandal where a red card suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun was overturned after US President Donald Trump called Infantino. FIFA Director for Europe Elkhan Mammadov visited 16 European associations during the World Cup to gather signatures, but Neuendorf declined. While Infantino's re-election is widely expected due to support from African, Asian, and South American confederations, he faces a separate threat from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The British human rights organization FairSquare filed a complaint accusing Infantino of violating IOC political neutrality rules due to his close ties with Trump, including awarding Trump a FIFA Peace Prize and joining Trump's Peace Council. IOC President Kirsty Coventry has indicated she will review the case.
BILD - SportIOC Asked to Investigate FIFA President Infantino Over Balogun Reversal and Political Neutrality Breaches
The International Olympic Committee has received a complaint from the nonprofit organization FairSquare, alleging that FIFA President Gianni Infantino repeatedly violated IOC rules on political neutrality through his support of U.S. President Donald Trump. The complaint highlights several instances, including Infantino's possible involvement in the suspension of a one-game ban for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in a World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium after Trump publicly lobbied for him. Other alleged breaches include Infantino promoting a FIFA fan site linked to a Trump data-harvesting campaign, posting supportive content after attending a Trump inauguration event, endorsing Trump for the Nobel Prize, and presenting Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. Infantino has denied interfering in the Balogun decision, stating that FIFA's judicial committees act autonomously. FairSquare previously filed a complaint with FIFA's ethics committee, supported by the Norwegian football federation and European Parliament members.
Yardbarker: SoccerOfficial Complaint Filed Against FIFA President Gianni Infantino Over Political Neutrality Violations
The British human rights organization FairSquare has filed a formal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), alleging he repeatedly violated IOC rules on political neutrality. The complaint cites five clear violations with 'compelling evidence,' including claims that Infantino offered political support to US President Donald Trump and promoted a fan page allegedly linked to the Trump administration. Central to the allegations is the controversy surrounding the lifted suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. Infantino, an IOC member since January 2020, is bound by the IOC Code of Ethics requiring independence from political interests. The IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated the body would address the complaint. FairSquare had previously filed a similar complaint with FIFA's Ethics Committee before the World Cup, which was supported by the Norwegian Football Federation and European Parliament members.
BILD - SportNGO FairSquare Files IOC Complaint Against FIFA President Infantino Over Political Neutrality Violations
The British NGO FairSquare has filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of repeated violations of rules requiring political neutrality. The complaint, reported by Le Monde, specifically cites Infantino's statements of support for U.S. President Donald Trump and alleged interference in the Balogun case. FairSquare claims the Balogun decision resulted from political pressure exerted by Trump on Infantino, which would violate IOC rules and the principle of fair play. This follows a previous referral by the NGO to FIFA's ethics committee regarding the 'FIFA Peace Prize' awarded to Trump in December 2025. The NGO urges the IOC to protect sport integrity by taking measures against competition manipulation.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuComplaint Filed with IOC Against FIFA President Infantino Over Trump Ties
The British human rights organization FairSquare has filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of repeatedly violating IOC rules on political neutrality. The main allegation is that Infantino offered political support to US President Donald Trump. The complaint cites five clear violations with 'convincing evidence,' including the controversial lifting of US striker Folarin Balogun's red card suspension during the 2026 World Cup, which allowed him to play in the round of 16 match against Belgium. This decision sparked outrage in the football world, with figures like world champion Mats Hummels criticizing it. Infantino has defended the independence of FIFA's judicial bodies. IOC President Kirsty Coventry has indicated she will look into the case, though the IOC stated complaints to its Ethics Commission are treated confidentially. FairSquare had previously submitted a similar complaint to FIFA's Ethics Commission before the World Cup.
Nachrichten - WELTNGO Files IOC Ethics Complaint Against FIFA President Infantino for Political Neutrality Violations
The human rights NGO FairSquare has filed a formal complaint with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) ethics commission against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, alleging he repeatedly violated IOC rules on political neutrality by publicly supporting US President Donald Trump. The complaint details five clear violations and two other serious breaches between January 2025 and February 2026. These include Infantino thanking Trump for an inauguration invitation with a 'Make America Great Again' slogan, endorsing Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising Trump's policies as 'pretty good,' and awarding Trump the FIFA Peace Prize. FairSquare argues that Infantino, as an IOC member since 2020, is bound by the Olympic Charter and Code of Ethics, and the IOC has the power to expel members for such violations. The NGO claims compelling evidence supports the allegations.
Home Football - actualitésInfantino Faces IOC Probe After Complaint Over Trump's Intervention in Balogun Ban
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under investigation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after an official complaint was filed by human rights non-profit FairSquare. The complaint alleges that Infantino violated his IOC oath of political neutrality by allowing US President Donald Trump's intervention to block a suspension of US soccer player Folarin Balogun. Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina and should have served an automatic one-match ban, but FIFA allowed him to play in the World Cup last-32 match against Belgium. Trump publicly boasted about speaking to Infantino and requesting a review. Infantino admitted the call but insisted it did not influence FIFA's decision. IOC rules prohibit members from accepting government mandates, and violations can lead to expulsion or suspension. The complaint argues the decision undermines fair play and IOC regulations.
City AMFIFA President Infantino Targeted by IOC Ethics Complaint After Trump Lobbying on Balogun Ban
A human rights NGO, FairSquare, has announced it will file a formal complaint to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Ethics Commission against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, alleging repeated breaches of political neutrality rules. The complaint follows U.S. President Donald Trump's lobbying that led FIFA to overturn a red card suspension for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup. The IOC has jurisdiction over Infantino as he is an invited member of the IOC. The controversy escalated after Belgium, angered by the decision, defeated the U.S. 4-1. FairSquare previously filed a similar complaint with FIFA's own ethics committee in December, which remains unresolved. IOC President Kirsty Coventry acknowledged monitoring the situation and stated the ethics body would review any formal complaint received.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.NGO Files IOC Ethics Complaint Against FIFA President Infantino Over Political Neutrality Breaches
The human rights NGO FairSquare announced it will file a complaint with the International Olympic Committee's ethics commission against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of repeated violations of political neutrality. The complaint stems from Infantino's close ties with US President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup, including attending Trump's 'Peace Council' wearing a pro-Trump cap and a controversial phone call that preceded FIFA lifting a suspension on US striker Folarin Balogun. The IOC had previously dismissed a similar controversy in February. FairSquare, joined by the Norwegian Football Federation, also filed a complaint with FIFA's ethics commission in December, but no investigation has been opened. IOC chief Kirsty Coventry stated the ethics commission would review any complaint received.
Home Football - actualitésHuman Rights NGO Files Complaint with IOC Ethics Committee Against FIFA President Infantino Over Political Neutrality Violations
The human rights NGO FairSquare announced on Wednesday that it will file a complaint with the IOC Ethics Committee against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of repeatedly violating the principle of political neutrality. The complaint focuses on Infantino's close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump, whose country will host the 2026 World Cup. Specific incidents cited include Infantino attending Trump's 'Peace Council' in February 2025 wearing a cap with 'USA' and '45-47' (referencing Trump's two terms), and awarding Trump the 'FIFA Peace Award' in December 2025. FairSquare previously filed a similar complaint with the FIFA Ethics Committee, which gained support from 50 European Parliament members and the Norwegian Football Federation, but the NGO says no investigation has been launched. IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated that if a complaint is received, the Ethics Committee will investigate. An IOC spokesperson previously downplayed the controversy, linking Infantino's actions to FIFA's support for sports investment in Gaza and Palestine.
虎扑 - 足球NGO Files IOC Ethics Complaint Against FIFA President Infantino Over Political Neutrality Breaches
The human rights NGO FairSquare announced on Wednesday that it has filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) ethics commission against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of repeated violations of political neutrality. As an IOC member, Infantino is bound by the Olympic Charter to act independently of political interests. The complaint highlights his close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump, including attending Trump's 'Peace Council' in February 2025, wearing a cap referencing Trump's two presidential terms, and awarding Trump a 'FIFA Peace Prize' in December 2025. The 2026 World Cup will be held in the U.S. FairSquare previously approached FIFA's ethics commission over the same issue, supported by 50 European lawmakers and the Norwegian Football Federation, but no investigation has been opened. IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated that if a complaint is received, the ethics commission would examine it.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu50 European MEPs Urge FIFA to Investigate 'Peace Prize' Awarded to Donald Trump
Fifty European Members of Parliament from 13 countries have formally called on FIFA's ethics committee to investigate the awarding of a 'Peace Prize' to U.S. President Donald Trump by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in December 2025. The MEPs, led by Ireland's Barry Andrews, the Netherlands' Lara Wolters, and Denmark's Niels Fuglsang, support a request made seven months earlier by the human rights NGO FairSquare. The NGO accuses Infantino of violating FIFA's code of ethics, specifically his duty of political neutrality, by publicly endorsing Trump's policies and advocating for him to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The MEPs' letter, described as the most significant intervention by European political leaders against FIFA governance since 2015, urges a swift and sincere investigation. FIFA has not responded to the letter or previous criticisms. The Norwegian Football Federation is the only FIFA member nation to support the call.
Home Football - actualités50 European MPs Demand FIFA Investigate Infantino's Awarding of Peace Prize to Trump
Fifty European lawmakers from 13 countries have sent a letter to FIFA's ethics committee urging an investigation into the circumstances under which FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded the FIFA Peace Prize to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The letter, led by Irish, Dutch, and Danish MEPs, supports a complaint by the NGO FairSquare, which accuses Infantino of violating FIFA's code of ethics by breaching his duty of neutrality. If proven, the violation could result in a fine of at least 10,000 Swiss francs and a two-year ban from football-related activities. The lawmakers argue that a transparent investigation would demonstrate FIFA's commitment to political neutrality and accountability. FairSquare welcomed the intervention, calling it the most significant European political action against FIFA governance abuses since the 2015 call for Sepp Blatter's resignation. The Norwegian Football Federation is the only FIFA member nation to support the initiative. FIFA has not yet opened an investigation or responded to the controversy.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu50 MEPs demand ethics probe into FIFA boss Gianni Infantino after Trump's 'Peace Prize'
More than 50 Members of the European Parliament have signed a letter supporting an ethics complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, submitted by the London-based NGO FairSquare. The complaint stems from Infantino awarding the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump at the World Cup draw in December, which critics say violates FIFA's ethics code requiring political neutrality. MEP Barry Andrews called for a full investigation by FIFA's Ethics Committee to uphold fairness, equality, and human dignity. The Norwegian Football Federation also backs the complaint. Additionally, Infantino faces criticism for taking 27 flights in two weeks across the 2026 World Cup host nations, with a climate impact equivalent to 78 people's annual emissions, contradicting FIFA's sustainability pledges.
Mirror - FootballEuropean Politicians Demand FIFA Address Ethics Complaint Over Trump Peace Prize
Fifty members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have written to FIFA demanding the organization address an ethics complaint filed against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over his decision to award U.S. President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025. The complaint, originally filed by the non-profit FairSquare, alleges repeated breaches of FIFA's duty of political neutrality. It calls for an investigation into the process behind the award. The Norwegian Football Association president also criticized the lack of consultation with the FIFA Council. The letter, co-signed by MEPs from ten European countries, urges FIFA to uphold core values of fairness and human dignity. FIFA and the White House have been approached for comment.
Soccer - The AthleticEuropean Politicians Demand FIFA Act on Ethics Complaint Over Trump Peace Prize
Fifty members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have written to FIFA demanding the organization address an ethics complaint against its President Gianni Infantino. The complaint, filed in December 2025 by the non-profit FairSquare, alleges 'repeated breaches' of FIFA's political neutrality after Infantino awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump during the World Cup draw. The complaint has also been supported by the Norwegian Football Association, whose president criticized the lack of consultation with the FIFA Council. The MEPs' letter, sent to Infantino and the FIFA Council, urges FIFA to demonstrate it upholds core values of fairness and human dignity. FIFA and the White House have been approached for comment. The ethics committee, chaired by Rwanda's UN representative, has investigatory and adjudicatory chambers.
Soccer - The AthleticEuropean politicians demand FIFA addresses ethics complaint over Trump winning Peace Prize
Fifty members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have written to FIFA demanding that the organization address an ethics complaint against its President Gianni Infantino. The complaint, filed in December 2025 by the non-profit FairSquare, alleges repeated breaches of FIFA's duty of political neutrality after Infantino awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump during the World Cup draw. The Norwegian Football Association has also criticized the decision, noting it was made without consulting the FIFA Council. The MEPs' letter, sent to Infantino and the FIFA Council, urges FIFA to uphold core values of fairness, equality, and human dignity. Signatories include representatives from Ireland, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Denmark, Slovakia, and the Netherlands. FIFA and the White House have been approached for comment.
Soccer - The Athletic