FIFA President Under Investigation Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

The International Olympic Committee declared it will look into FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his significant engagement with U.S. President Donald Trump.

After FIFA President Gianni Infantino appeared at the launch of the Peace Council initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated that the IOC will review his actions.

Gianni Infantino and Kirsty Coventry are among the 107 current IOC members who have pledged to “always act independently of political interests.”

Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump held the launch event for the Peace Council in Washington, D.C. At this event, Infantino, representing the global football governing body, signed a cooperation agreement allowing approximately $75 million from football funds to be invested in Gaza.

As preparations for the 2026 World Cup progress, Infantino has increasingly demonstrated a close relationship between FIFA and the U.S. administration. He attended Trump’s inauguration last year and has made multiple visits to the White House and the Mar-a-Lago resort. The U.S., alongside Canada and Mexico, will co-host the tournament featuring 104 matches starting June 11.

Speaking at the final press conference of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Coventry emphasized: “The Olympic Charter clearly defines the expectations for members, and we will investigate the signing of documents reportedly involved.” She mentioned that she was previously unaware of Infantino’s prominent role at the Peace Council event.

“Now that you have informed us,” she said after a second question on the matter, “we will review and examine the case.”

The IOC, which upholds the principle of political neutrality, includes members such as Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the U.S., Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud.

The membership list also features Erick Thohir, Indonesia’s Minister of Sports. Previously, the IOC advised Indonesia against hosting international sporting events after the country refused to allow Israeli athletes to participate in the World Gymnastics Championships.

Coventry herself served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sports before becoming the first female IOC President elected in March this year.