The close relationship between FIFA’s Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump faces scrutiny as they prepare to co-host the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington
THE close alliance between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and former US President Donald Trump will be under scrutiny at Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw.
Their relationship, which began with a jovial 2018 Oval Office meeting, has evolved into a strategic partnership as the US co-hosts the expanded tournament.
Infantino has frequently praised Trump’s leadership, once describing him as “definitely a sportsman” made of the same fibre as elite athletes.
Sports communications strategist John Zerafa told AFP both sides have a “mutual interest for 2026 to work,” given the logistical scale of the event.
Critics argue Infantino has abandoned FIFA’s political neutrality by aligning so publicly with Trump’s agenda.
The FIFA president attended a Gaza peace summit at Trump’s invitation in October, crediting the US leader’s “fundamental and crucial” role.
Human rights advocate Nick McGeehan of FairSquare called Infantino’s summit presence “deeply troubling,” placing FIFA “firmly in the corner” of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Infantino further stirred controversy last month by endorsing Trump’s policy agenda at a Miami business forum.
Former FIFA governance chief Miguel Maduro said those remarks violated the football body’s statutes by taking a position in US internal politics.
FIFA will unveil a new FIFA Peace Prize at Friday’s draw ceremony at Washington’s Kennedy Center.
Infantino said the award recognises those who work to “end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace.”
Britain’s The Times, citing unnamed sources, reported Trump will be the inaugural recipient of the prize. – AFP
