June 30 – European lawmakers have backed an ethics complaint against Gianni Infantino over FIFA’s ‘Peace Prize’ award to US President Donald Trump.  

In a letter sent to the Infantino and FIFA’s ethics committee, around 50 members of the European Parliament showed their support for the ethics complaint that was first launched by NGO FairSquare and later joined by the Norwegian Football Federation. The complaint alleges Infantino broke his duty of political neutrality enshrined in the FIFA regulations. Barry Andrews of Ireland (Renew), Lara Wolters of the Netherlands and Niels Fuglsang of Denmark, both social democrats, took the lead in offering political support.  

“The World Cup is arguably the biggest global event of any kind,” MEP Andrews told Inside World Football. “It is supposed to unite the World. Yet when FIFA president Gianni Infantino favours one President over another, this brings FIFA and the whole tournament into disrepute.” 

In December, Infantino awarded US President Donald Trump with the inaugural award after Trump had failed to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Infantino’s brainchild came to life with almost no consultation within FIFA and prompted an ethics complaint from FairSquare. Article 15 of the FIFA Ethics Code binds football officials to observepolitical neutrality in their role.  

“Our request in this letter is simple,” said Andrews. We are merely asking for the FIFA Ethics Committee to fully investigate the awarding of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to President Trump, and to ensure that due process is done. With the eyes of the world on FIFA and Infantino this summer, a proper investigation is the only way to ensure that the organisation fully upholds the core values of fairness, equality, and respect for human dignity.” 

Andrews added: “If FIFA is truly committed to political neutrality, transparency and accountability, here is no better chance to prove it.” 

FIFA has been contacted for comment. 

Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at [email protected]