Former FIFA governance committee chairman Miguel Maduro has accused current FIFA President Gianni Infantino of violating the organization’s bylaws by publicly supporting U.S. President Donald Trump, raising concerns about FIFA’s required political neutrality. Maduro’s criticism stems from comments Infantino made at the American Business Forum in Miami on Wednesday, where he praised Trump’s presidency, saying, “I think we should all support what he’s doing because I think it’s looking pretty good.”
Maduro told The Athletic that Infantino’s remarks crossed a line by endorsing Trump’s political agenda and urging others to support it. While FIFA officials can acknowledge the legitimacy of political leaders, Maduro stresses that they must remain neutral, especially in internal political debates within countries. By explicitly backing Trump’s policies, Infantino, according to Maduro, breached FIFA’s Code of Ethics, which mandates political neutrality for all officials.
The relevant section of FIFA’s Code of Ethics states that officials must maintain political neutrality in all dealings with government institutions and organizations, acting in ways that uphold the integrity of FIFA and its affiliates. Violations of this provision can result in sanctions including fines of at least 10,000 Swiss francs and bans of up to two years from football-related activities. Notably, Maduro referenced Article 15 of the Code, while the article in question is actually Article 14.
Fox News Digital reached out to FIFA and the White House for comment on Maduro’s allegations, but FIFA declined to respond to The Athletic’s inquiry. The White House has not issued a statement on the matter.
The relationship between Trump and Infantino dates back to Trump’s first term as U.S. president, during which the United States, Canada, and Mexico secured the hosting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After the announcement, Trump invited Infantino to the White House, where the FIFA president made a memorable impression by jokingly handing Trump red and yellow penalty cards, suggesting they could be used on the press.
The two men developed a close rapport over the years. In January 2020, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Infantino referred to Trump as “my great friend,” prompting Trump to invite him to a White House event for the signing of the Abraham Accords—historic agreements aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
More recently, Trump signed an executive order establishing a White House Task Force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will jointly host. Trump will chair the task force, with Vice President J.D. Vance serving as vice chair. This task force is charged with coordinating the federal government’s efforts to support the tournament’s successful execution.
The 2026 World Cup is a significant event for North American soccer and for FIFA’s global ambitions. Hosting the tournament across three countries presents unique logistical challenges and opportunities to expand the sport’s popularity in the region. Trump’s involvement and visible support for FIFA’s leadership have underscored the political significance of the event.
However, Infantino’s recent comments in Miami have sparked debate over the appropriate role of FIFA officials in political matters. FIFA’s Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of political neutrality to preserve the organization’s integrity and avoid the appearance of bias or interference in domestic politics. Maduro’s critique highlights the tension between personal relationships and official responsibilities within international sports governance.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, scrutiny of FIFA’s governance and leadership will likely intensify. The organization faces ongoing challenges related to transparency, ethics, and maintaining its standing as a global sports authority. Infantino’s controversial endorsement of Trump may further complicate FIFA’s efforts to present itself as an impartial entity above political disputes.
In summary, the controversy centers on FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s public expression of support for President Donald Trump, which former FIFA governance chairman Miguel Maduro claims violates FIFA’s rules on political neutrality. This issue arises amid preparations for the 2026 World Cup, a high-profile event co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with Trump playing a prominent role in the tournament’s organization through the White House Task Force. FIFA has yet to respond to the allegations, leaving open questions about the enforcement of its ethical standards and the separation of sports governance from political advocacy.