The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has initiated an investigation into Gianni Infantino, the President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), following his attendance at a ‘Board of Peace’ meeting held in Washington D.C. Kirsty Coventry, President of the IOC, publicly stated that she was unaware of Infantino’s presence at this inaugural meeting, which was established by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Infantino, who is also a member of the IOC, actively participated in the initial Peace Council gathering alongside more than 20 other international leaders. He was notably seated on stage while President Trump delivered a speech, and was observed wearing a distinctive red cap emblazoned with ‘USA’ and the numbers ’45-47,’ which referenced Trump’s presidential terms. Beyond his attendance, Infantino was also present during the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FIFA and the Peace Council.
This significant agreement primarily focuses on extensive reconstruction efforts within the Gaza Strip. The outlined plans include the development of 50 small football pitches strategically located near schools and residential communities, alongside five larger football fields situated directly across Gaza. Furthermore, the MoU details the construction of a new, substantial football stadium capable of accommodating approximately 20,000 spectators. However, the international Olympic sports body, the IOC, reportedly had no prior knowledge of these critical developments, especially concerning the involvement of its own member, the FIFA chief, in the Peace Council meeting and the associated agreements.
IOC President Coventry explicitly articulated her concerns regarding the situation: “I was not aware that we had an IOC member in the Peace Council meeting. Journalists have now brought this to our attention, and we will return to review and investigate this matter thoroughly. The IOC Charter is very clear on such matters. We will meticulously examine the signing of the agreement that took place between the FIFA chief and Mr. Trump.”
Under the stringent guidelines of the Olympic Charter, all members are strictly mandated to act independently, free from commercial and political interests that could compromise their impartiality. Reports indicate that during his presidency, Donald Trump frequently engaged in meetings with the FIFA chief in the United States. A significant underlying reason for these recurring interactions is widely understood to be the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026, which the U.S. is slated to co-host with Canada and Mexico.
On a separate occasion, FIFA also reportedly presented the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to the 45th U.S. President. This gesture was broadly perceived as an effort to cultivate favor, citing Trump’s stated contributions to ending conflicts and de-escalating tensions in various countries, including Cambodia and Thailand. The ongoing IOC investigation will now meticulously delve into the implications of Infantino’s actions and participation in light of the organization’s strict ethical guidelines and commitment to independence.
