The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has affirmed that the attendance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the inaugural meeting of a peace council alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders does not violate the Olympic Charter’s principles of political neutrality.
The IOC’s statement, released Saturday, came after Infantino’s appearance at the council meeting sparked debate, particularly due to photographs showing him wearing a red cap emblazoned with “45” and “47,” referencing Trump’s ranking as the 45th President of the United States. IOC President Kirsty Coventry had previously expressed surprise at not being informed of Infantino’s participation, stating during the Winter Olympics in Milan on Friday, “I wasn’t aware that an IOC member was at that event.” She added, “The Olympic Charter is very clear about what is expected of its members.”
According to an IOC spokesperson, FIFA supports a comprehensive investment program aimed at revitalizing sports in the Gaza Strip, an initiative aligned with FIFA’s international role. This program, launched under the Trump administration, focuses on reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The IOC confirmed it had been in contact with FIFA regarding the matter.
“The IOC understands that FIFA is supporting, through football, a comprehensive program of investment in the revival of sport in Gaza, Palestine, by providing sports infrastructure, education and proposals for elite development,” the IOC spokesperson stated. “This is fully in line with the role of an international sports federation. The IOC, through Olympic Solidarity – our means of development – has been supporting the development of sport in the region and continues to do so.”
The Olympic Charter mandates that its members act independently of commercial and political interests. Infantino, who also serves as an IOC member, participated in the peace council meeting, which was established during Trump’s presidency with a focus on a fund for rebuilding Gaza.
The upcoming FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held primarily in the United States, alongside Canada and Mexico, in June and July, adds another layer to the context of Infantino’s involvement. The IOC’s assessment concludes that Infantino’s attendance did not breach the established rules.
