Serious allegations have come to light for Infantino: can I bring down the most powerful man in world football?

Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, has become the target of serious allegations regarding his adherence to political neutrality, according to a complaint filed by the British human rights organization FairSquare with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The complaint alleges that Infantino has violated IOC rules on political neutrality through multiple statements showing support for US President Donald Trump. These claims have placed Infantino under scrutiny as the World Cup approaches its conclusion, a tournament marked by widespread dissatisfaction. The complaint, submitted by FairSquare, outlines five clear violations of IOC's political neutrality guidelines, based on statements or expressions of support for Trump. It further presents "prima facie" evidence suggesting two additional serious breaches, which the organization has requested the IOC investigate. One alleged violation involves Infantino possibly agreeing to political pressure from Trump to bypass FIFA disciplinary rules during the 2026 Men’s World Cup in the so-called "Balogun affair." Another relates to Infantino promoting FIFA’s fan page for the 2026 World Cup, which appears to have been part of a data collection campaign linked to entities associated with Trump. FairSquare initially filed a complaint against Infantino with FIFA’s Ethics Committee in December 2025 over alleged violations of FIFA’s political neutrality rules. The Investigatory Chamber confirmed receipt of the complaint but stated that no further information had been provided to FairSquare. Since then, the Ethics Committee has received two official letters supporting the complaint. On June 1, 2026, the Norwegian Football Association wrote to the Ethics Committee requesting that the complaint be reviewed “in accordance with existing regulations, established procedures, and fundamental principles of good governance.” On June 29, 2026, fifty members of the European Parliament wrote to FIFA, urging the organization to address the FairSquare complaint on ethics and demonstrate its commitment to core values such as fairness, equality, and respect for human dignity. IOC President Kirsty Coventry noted that no complaints had yet been accepted for review by the ethics committee. In a letter accompanying the European Parliament representatives’ message, it was added that the complaint against Infantino represents an opportunity for FIFA to prove its dedication to political neutrality, transparency, and accountability. Meanwhile, the German Football Association (DFB) has increasingly distanced itself from Infantino. Following the controversy surrounding the annulled suspension of Balogun, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf decided to take a firm stance. According to Bild, during the World Cup, FIFA’s Director for Europe, Elkhan Mammadov, visited all 16 European teams participating in the tournament. His goal was to collect signatures on a pre-prepared letter expressing support for Infantino’s candidacy for another presidential term at FIFA’s Congress, scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat. Neuendorf refused to sign the document, unlike most other European federations. Some of them reportedly regretted this decision following the controversy related to the Balogun case. However, Germans emphasize that there is little doubt Infantino will secure another mandate, given his existing support from continental confederations in Africa, Asia, and South America. Infantino faces mounting pressure as the World Cup nears its end, with the allegations potentially impacting his political standing within FIFA. The situation continues to evolve, with the Ethics Committee having received formal requests to examine the claims thoroughly. The outcome of these proceedings could influence the future direction of FIFA and its leadership.