FIFA President Receives Bombshell Ruling on Trump Connection Probe
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has been exonerated of misconduct by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following an inquiry into potential violations of political neutrality due to his public backing of US President Donald Trump.
Infantino has openly displayed his admiration for Trump. The Swiss official established a new FIFA Peace Prize honor and immediately awarded it to the 45th and 47th US president during last year's World Cup ceremony.
Trump reciprocated by welcoming Infantino to the inaugural gathering of his Board of Peace at Washington D.C.'s U.S. Institute of Peace facility on Thursday. All attendees received red hats featuring "USA" in white lettering on the front and "45–47" on the side. FIFA's leader, who also serves as an IOC member, was photographed sporting the headwear with a wide smile.
IOC chief Kirsty Coventry learned of Infantino's participation only when questioned at a Winter Olympics press briefing that same day. "The IOC charter clearly outlines expectations for its members," Coventry stated to reporters. "We will investigate the reported document signing."
The referenced charter requires members to operate free from political and commercial influences, prohibiting them from accepting "from governments, organizations, or other parties, any mandate or instructions liable to interfere with the freedom of their action and vote."
Following a rapid assessment, Infantino has been found not to have violated these principles.
"The IOC has communicated with FIFA," an IOC representative informed The Athletic on Sunday. "We recognize that FIFA is backing, through soccer, a comprehensive sports recovery investment initiative in Gaza, Palestine, by supplying athletic infrastructure, education and elite development programs.
"This aligns completely with the responsibilities of an International Sport Federation.
"The IOC, via Olympic Solidarity, our development mechanism, has been and remains committed to supporting athletic advancement in the area."
Why Was Infantino At Trump's Board of Peace Meeting?
Why Was Infantino At Trump's Board of Peace Meeting?
Representatives from 50 nations gathered in the US capital to examine Trump's proposal to utilize a $7 billion reconstruction fund for an extensive rebuilding of devastated Gaza.
Within this extremely sensitive political environment, with world leaders and military officials engaged in negotiations that could dramatically impact numerous lives, the head of a beloved sport found himself prominently positioned, as Coventry described it.
According to FIFA's celebratory press statement released on the meeting day, Infantino attended to unveil a collaboration with the Board of Peace for a fundraising initiative focused on developing soccer infrastructure in Gaza.
"Today, FIFA and the Board of Peace have executed a groundbreaking partnership agreement that will encourage investment in football to aid the recovery process in post-conflict regions," Infantino announced.
"FIFA aims for maximum global participation in our sport and wants people to benefit from the opportunities it provides. Football unites communities and contributes to a more prosperous, educated, equitable and peaceful world. With Board of Peace support, FIFA will advance this partnership designed to create meaningful impact at every level."
The identical announcement states that a new 20,000-capacity national stadium will be commissioned within the coming three years.