Hawzah News Agency- The submission was filed by FairSquare, a non-profit advocacy group focused on labor migration rights, political repression, and governance in global sport. The organization says it works to promote “better, more democratic governance to prevent sporting institutions contributing to harm and suffering''.
An eight-page letter, reviewed by The Athletic, was sent Monday to FIFA’s Ethics Committee and communications department. The Independent Ethics Committee, one of FIFA’s judicial bodies, is responsible for investigating violations of the FIFA Code of Ethics, with authority to impose sanctions ranging from warnings and fines to suspensions from football-related activities.
FairSquare’s complaint outlines four alleged breaches of Article 15, which mandates political neutrality for all FIFA officials.
FairSquare argues that Infantino has “committed four clear breaches” of neutrality, citing FIFA’s own statutes, which state that “FIFA remains neutral in matters of politics and religion'', and which require officials to maintain political impartiality in dealings with governments.
The first alleged breach centers on Infantino’s lobbying for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in early 2025.
A second violation allegedly occurred on November 5, when Infantino addressed the America Business Forum in Miami. Speaking from the same stage as Trump, he defended the US president and praised his political record.
Infantino described Trump as “a really close friend” and said, “I’m a bit surprised sometimes when I read some negative comments (about President Trump). I am not American, but as far as I understand, President Trump was elected in the United States of America and was quite clearly elected
FairSquare argues these remarks represent a “very clear political position'', noting that Infantino was speaking publicly as FIFA President, not in a private capacity.
The third alleged breach relates to Infantino’s role in presenting Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center.
A fourth violation stems from an Instagram video Infantino posted on January 20, 2025, thanking Trump for inviting him to a pre-inauguration rally and ending with the line, “Together we will make not only America great again but also the entire world''.
The complaint warns that Infantino’s behavior “poses a clear threat to the integrity and reputation of football and of FIFA itself''.
The submission also raises broader governance concerns about the FIFA Peace Prize.
Human Rights Watch previously sought clarification from FIFA about the prize’s criteria and selection process in a November 11 letter to Infantino, requesting a response by November 20. HRW says it received no reply.
Source: Al Mayadeen
Your Comment